The Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State, has made significant progress in its transition from a polytechnic to a full-fledged university. Under the administration of its Rector and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mukail Akinde, the institution has grown from fewer than 10,000 students to more than 27,000. Akinde assumed office on September 27, 2022, and since then, the institution has increased its academic programmes from 34 to over 100.
The institution's transformation is part of its preparation to complete its transition to the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro. According to a statement issued by the institution's Public Relations Officer, Sola Abiala, committees headed by Professor Ramon Bello, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, and Dr Charlotte Bose Iro-Idoro, have made steady progress on the respective aspects of the transition. Akinde emphasized that the process is being handled strategically.
The institution is targeting the 2027/28 academic session as a start-off year, pending the National Universities Commission (NUC) verification. Akinde stated that the institution is working on an Academic Brief, after which a new institutional Master Plan is expected to be finalised. The institution previously had six schools and now has eight specialised schools, following the establishment of the School of Agriculture and the School of Art, Design and Printing Technology.
The institution has also recorded several breakthroughs, including patenting a 3-in-1 electric tricycle incorporating solar and CNG technology, an IoT-integrated solar egg incubator and hatcher with dynamic environmental control, and other innovative projects. Akinde explained that the institution has started several new departments to drive industrial growth in the country, including Arts and Printing, Printing Technology, Metallurgical, Automotive, and Renewable Energy.
The expansion has been accompanied by an increase in student enrolment, academic and non-academic staff strength, the number of PhD holders, infrastructure, research activities, and funding through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. Akinde attributed the achievements to the collective efforts of the governing council, principal officers, management, staff, students, and unions. The institution is also automating students' records and results dating back to 1979.
The institution's growth has also generated economic benefits for the host community, with transport operators, food vendors, and traders benefiting from the larger population. Akinde attributed the cordial relationship between the institution and the host community to the cooperation of the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle. The Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Iro-Idoro, disclosed that the university would commence with nine faculties covering various disciplines.
The Registrar, Mrs Aderonke Babatola, stated that the growth in student enrolment and academic programmes has increased the demand for manpower. The institution currently has at least 80 PhD holders and has recruited 371 new members of staff in two batches. The institution is seeking waivers to enable it to recruit more professors.
Key points
- The Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, has increased its academic programmes from 34 to over 100 within four years.
- The institution is targeting the 2027/28 academic session for its take-off as a full-fledged university.
- The institution has grown from fewer than 10,000 students to more than 27,000 under the administration of Dr Mukail Akinde.
