Copyright tribuneonlineng
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and global relevance as it marks its 36th Convocation Ceremony. Speaking at a press conference to herald the week-long event on Friday, Oladiji said FUTA has advanced to a new level of academic and research excellence through purposeful leadership, strategic partnerships, and bold reforms. She noted that under her administration, the university has recorded remarkable progress in infrastructural development, academic achievement, staff welfare, and international collaborations. According to her, FUTA continues to uphold its reputation as Nigeria’s leading University of Technology through innovation-driven research and community-oriented programmes addressing national development needs. “Our administration came in with a clear vision to take FUTA to the next level in academics, research, global partnerships, and community impact. Three years after, that vision has become a reality,” she said. The Vice Chancellor announced that a total of 3,614 students will graduate, comprising 2,747 undergraduates and 867 postgraduates, including 154 PhD holders. Giving a breakdown of the figure, she disclosed that 1,479 graduates obtained Second Class Upper Division, while 912 and 116 bagged Second Class Lower and Third Class degrees, respectively. She further announced that the overall best graduating student is Akindunbi Aduragbemi Isaac from the Department of Civil Engineering, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.98 on a 5.0 scale. Oladiji attributed the outstanding performance of the First Class graduates to consistent effort, discipline, and the conducive learning environment provided by the university. “The results we are celebrating today show that FUTA continues to maintain its standard as one of Nigeria’s foremost universities of technology,” she said. Speaking on the convocation activities, Oladiji stated that the ceremony, which will run from November 7 to 15, 2025, will feature several events, including the Excellence and Productivity Awards, Career Talks, Alumni Reunion, Project Commissioning, and Award of Degrees. She revealed that the Convocation Lecture, titled “Strategies and Tactics for Solving Skills Challenges in Nigeria: The Roles of Government, Institutions and the Youth,” will be delivered by former Minister of Justice and Labour, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN). Highlighting the university’s achievements, the Vice Chancellor said FUTA has witnessed steady expansion in academic programmes, infrastructural development, and research breakthroughs. She noted that the university’s Teaching Hospital—established with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa—has positioned FUTA as a centre for medical training and health research. Several key projects, including modern lecture theatres, laboratories, and hostels, have been completed through TETFund, PTDF, and internally generated funds, while others are ongoing to further enhance teaching and research capacity. The Vice Chancellor also listed notable innovations by FUTA students, such as an autonomous UAV for environmental monitoring and a biomass cookstove that generates electricity from heat. She disclosed that the university recently received a ₦1 billion TETFund Special Intervention for Agricultural Commercial Farming, approved by President Tinubu, to boost food production and agricultural research. According to her, FUTA researchers have gained international recognition through collaborations with institutions in Denmark, China, the Czech Republic, and the United States, while a research team recently received a Presidential Patent Award for producing biodiesel from renewable Spirogyra sources. Prof. Oladiji added that FUTA remains a major contributor to manpower development in Nigeria, with several of its staff members now serving as Vice Chancellors, Registrars, and Bursars in other universities. She further revealed that over 3,000 FUTA students have benefited from the Federal Government’s student loan scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a major relief for undergraduates facing financial challenges. However, she expressed concern over the low level of awareness and participation among students, urging them to take advantage of the scheme. “As we speak, we have over 3,000 students benefiting from the loan scheme, and the president of the student union can also confirm the figure. The portal has been reopened, and we are encouraging students to apply. “The level of awareness and willingness to take up the loan is what has kept the number at this level. We are trying to increase awareness. If the figure is not higher, it’s not because the government is failing, but because many students are not applying,” she explained. Oladiji commended the efforts of staff, students, and alumni, noting that prudent financial management and staff welfare initiatives have sustained industrial harmony and productivity on campus. “Our achievements are collective. The dedication of our staff and students has kept the FUTA brand strong. We are building a future anchored on innovation, integrity, and excellence,” she said. She expressed appreciation to the university’s Governing Council led by Senator Nora Daduut, the Ondo State Government, and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, for their continuous support of the institution’s growth. Commending the Federal Government for its ongoing support to tertiary institutions, the Vice Chancellor assured that FUTA will continue to produce world-class graduates equipped with knowledge, creativity, and character to transform the nation. She concluded that FUTA has been successfully repositioned for sustainable growth and global competitiveness. “FUTA is now a key player in the global academic arena. We have moved to the next level, and our best years are still ahead,” she declared.
