Federal University of Technology Ilaro Targets 2027/28 Take-Off as Student Population Hits 27,000

The Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), Ogun State, has announced plans to begin full university operations in the 2027/28 academic session as it continues its transition from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. The institution said preparations were progressing, with work ongoing ahead of verification by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The Acting Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Dr Mukail Aremu Akinde, disclosed this while marking his fourth anniversary in office on September 27, 2026. He said the transition was being handled strategically, with committees working on key areas required for the institution to assume its new status.

Akinde also revealed that student enrolment had increased from fewer than 10,000 to more than 27,000 since he assumed office in 2022. The number of academic programmes had also grown from 34 to more than 100, while the institution expanded from six schools to eight specialised schools with the creation of the School of Agriculture and the School of Art, Design and Printing Technology.

According to a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Sola Abiala, committees led by former University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ramon Bello, and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Dr Charlotte Bose Iro-Idoro, were making progress on different aspects of the transition. Akinde said the institution was preparing an Academic Brief and working towards completing a new institutional Master Plan.

The institution has also introduced departments designed to support industrial development and specialised manpower needs. These include Metallurgical Technology, Automotive, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Cement Technology, Welding and Fabrication, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Technology, Animal Health, Horticulture and Agricultural Extension. Akinde said some programmes, including Welding and Fabrication and Cement Technology, were designed to provide skilled workers for Dangote Cement’s Ibese plant, other cement companies and the Dangote refinery.

FUTI has also reported research and innovation projects, including a three-in-one electric tricycle incorporating solar and compressed natural gas technology, as well as an Internet of Things-enabled solar egg incubator and hatcher. Other innovations include a mechanised kokoro mixer and extruder, a motorised palm-oil digester, a plastic-bottle shredder and a biometric system for attendance and access control.

The institution’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Iro-Idoro, said the proposed university would begin with nine faculties covering engineering, sciences, environmental technology, communication and information, administration and management, social sciences, computing, agriculture and visual arts. Registrar Mrs Aderonke Folasade Babatola said the institution had at least 80 PhD holders and recruited 371 staff members in two batches, while seeking approval to recruit more professors.

Akinde also highlighted improvements in infrastructure, digital services and funding, including the automation of student records dating back to 1979, with a target of issuing transcripts within 24 hours. He said government and Tertiary Education Trust Fund interventions had supported major projects, while his administration had facilitated 43 projects through internally generated revenue. He added that the institution’s growth had boosted economic activity in the host community, with transport operators, traders and food vendors benefiting from increased student numbers.