The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti (FUTES-IYIN), Professor Gbenga Aribisala, has emphasized that quality assurance remains the cornerstone of any serious effort aimed at building a globally competitive university, warning that institutions that compromise standards ultimately undermine their long-term relevance and sustainability.

Professor Aribisala stated this during a One-Day Quality Assurance Workshop organized by the University’s Quality Assurance Committee as part of efforts to strengthen institutional systems, promote a culture of excellence, and align academic and administrative operations with global best practices.

Represented by the Director of Special Duties, Professor Olumide Ogundipe, the Vice-Chancellor delivered a presentation titled "Aligning FUTES with the Vision of a World-Class University (University of My Dream) Through Quality Assurance Practices."

In the address, Professor Aribisala stressed that the quality of graduates produced by any institution is directly linked to the quality of its students, academic staff, research output, and the systems put in place to coordinate these components effectively.

"Quality assurance is essential in creating a 21st-century world-class university. It is not enough to have quality staff and students; there must be systems and processes that ensure standards are maintained and excellence is sustained," the Vice-Chancellor stated.

He noted that FUTES-IYIN was deliberately established with a vision of becoming a reputable global player in knowledge production and dissemination, adding that the institution's developmental agenda is anchored on innovation, research excellence, technology-driven learning, and sustainable development.

The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that the university has continued to invest in critical infrastructure and enabling facilities capable of supporting quality teaching, learning, and research.

"At FUTES-IYIN, we are working hard to provide 21st-century facilities for learning. The University has prioritized the use of solar energy and constant water supply for staff, students, and laboratories," he stated.

Prof. Aribisala also disclosed that the university has institutionalized measures to ensure regular class attendance by lecturers and students, timely provision of lecture materials, continuous assessment practices, and collaborative learning models designed to enhance students' academic experience.

According to him, the ultimate goal is to build a residential, ICT-compliant university that produces quality graduates capable of creating jobs, driving innovation, attracting global research visibility, and contributing meaningfully to national development.

One of the major highlights of the workshop was a presentation by the Dean, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Professor Emmanuel Akintayo, titled "Aligning Academic Programmes with FUTES Vision, NUC Standards and Global Quality Assurance Requirements."

Prof. Akintayo underscored the strategic importance of ensuring that academic programmes remain consistent with the university's vision, the benchmark minimum academic standards of the National Universities Commission (NUC), and evolving global quality assurance frameworks.

He stressed that quality assurance should not be viewed merely as an accreditation requirement but as a continuous process aimed at improving curriculum delivery, learning outcomes, research productivity, and institutional relevance.

The Dean further noted that for FUTES-IYIN to realize its aspiration of becoming a leading technology and environmental sciences university, all academic programmes must remain responsive to contemporary realities while maintaining strict adherence to established regulatory standards.

Also speaking at the workshop, the resource person, Prof. Ola Salawu of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), delivered a paper titled "Institutionalizing an Internal Quality Assurance Framework to Enhance Staff and Students' Engagement in FUTES."

In his presentation, Prof. Salawu advocated the development of a robust internal quality assurance system that promotes accountability, continuous improvement, stakeholder participation, and institutional effectiveness.

He explained that quality assurance thrives when it becomes a shared responsibility embraced by management, staff, students, and other stakeholders, rather than being confined to a single office or committee.

The Don observed that universities that successfully institutionalize quality assurance frameworks are often better positioned to improve service delivery, strengthen governance structures, enhance academic performance, and build strong reputations nationally and internationally.

Earlier in his opening remark, the Registrar, Mr. Oluwole Dada, described the workshop as a strategic platform designed to deepen participants' understanding of quality assurance principles and strengthen institutional capacity for effective monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

He reaffirmed the university's commitment to maintaining high standards across all areas of operation and encouraged participants to maximize the knowledge gained from the workshop in advancing the institution's vision of excellence.

The workshop featured interactive sessions, technical discussions, and knowledge-sharing engagements aimed at entrenching a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement as the university continues its journey toward becoming a globally competitive institution.