Monarch Sets Up Committee To Look Address Claim.
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin-Ekiti, Professor Gbenga Aribisala, has expressed concern over the sudden and steep increase in house rents by some landlords in the university’s host community, warning that the development could undermine the smooth take-off of academic activities.
Professor Aribisala raised the alarm during a meeting with the Oluyin-in-Council at the palace of the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye with the presence of traditional chiefs, kingmakers, minor chiefs and community leaders.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that house rents, which previously ranged between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000 per annum, had reportedly jumped to between ₦250,000 and ₦350,000, describing the increase as outrageous and unsustainable.
“Honestly, I was not happy when I heard about this development. I am not saying landlords should not collect rent, but this sudden increase can affect many things,” Aribisala said.
“Kabiyesi, I sincerely appeal to you to help plead with your subjects. They are our fathers and mothers. They should take things easy. This university is a blessing to all of us.”
He cautioned that such actions could negatively affect Federal Government policies and programmes in the education sector, particularly at the tertiary level, noting that FUTES is a strategic institution under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the university; described as the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa, was established to drive economic reform, promote quality education, boost science and technology, enhance security and create jobs.
Prof. Aribisala said the community must jealously guard the opportunity, stressing that enormous sacrifices had been made by key stakeholders, including President Tinubu, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Binta Mazi Garba, as well as prominent sons and daughters of Iyin-Ekiti.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, alongside members of management, newly recruited staff and students, held an inaugural prayer session at the university’s temporary campus to formally mark the commencement of academic activities.
Prayers were offered for academic excellence, national economic growth, peace, unity, divine wisdom, capacity building and protection against disunity and unrest within the university community.
Special prayers were also said for leaders at all levels, including President Bola Tinubu, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Minister of Education and Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
At the prayer session, Professor Aribisala assured staff and students of the management’s commitment to their welfare, including prompt payment of salaries and the provision of a conducive learning environment.
“I have directed that our staff should not spend months before receiving their salaries. This management is committed to making everyone comfortable,” he said.
He warned that the university would not tolerate misconduct, adding that appropriate sanctions would be imposed on any staff or student whose actions could bring the institution into disrepute, urging staff to treat students with dignity, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.
The Vice-Chancellor further appealed to landlords and community members to prioritise students’ safety, noting that this would complement the university’s security arrangements.
He urged residents to accommodate students with patience and report any conduct that could disrupt academic activities.
Responding, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, assured the Vice-Chancellor that immediate steps had been taken to address the rent issue.
The monarch disclosed that a committee had already been established to investigate the sudden increase, noting that any portion of rent already paid and considered excessive by the committee would be refunded.
“We are men and women of honour in Iyin-Ekiti. As a king, with the support of my chiefs, sons and daughters, we will not fold our arms and allow anything that could dent our image,” Oba Ajakaiye said.
The traditional ruler added that, even before the Vice-Chancellor’s request, the Oluyin-in-Council had established a security committee in collaboration with local hunters, farmers and other stakeholders to safeguard residents, particularly students.
He said the committee would also monitor the town and its boundaries to prevent kidnapping, robbery and other security threats.
Oba Ajakaiye appreciated President Tinubu for siting the university in Iyin-Ekiti and pledged that the community would do everything possible to support the Federal Government in realising its objectives for tertiary education, especially the success of FUTES.
