The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), will on Friday, November 14, hold its 36th convocation ceremony, where 240 students will graduate with First Class honours for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, disclosed this in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES, noting that a total of 2,747 students will be awarded Bachelor’s degrees during the ceremony.
According to her, 1,479 students earned Second Class Upper Division, 912 will graduate with Second Class Lower, while 116 obtained Third Class degrees.
Professor Oladiji added that 867 postgraduate students will also be conferred with advanced degrees, including 86 Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD), 627 Master’s of Technology (MTech) and 154 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees on Saturday, November 15.
Best Graduating Student
The Vice-Chancellor announced Akindunbi Isaac of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as the Best Graduating Student, having achieved a remarkable 4.98 CGPA out of 5.00.
Mr Isaac is expected to deliver the valedictory speech on behalf of his graduating class.
Convocation Lecture and VC’s Address
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 Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, as well as former Minister of Labour.
In her address titled “FUTA at the Next Level,” Professor Oladiji will highlight the university’s achievements and growth over the past three years.
She emphasized that FUTA has been repositioned for a sustainable future, anchored on academic excellence, financial sustainability, global competitiveness and inclusive growth.
“This administration has laid a solid foundation that empowers staff, inspires students, strengthens communities and puts Nigeria on the global map of innovation and research,” she said.
Research Collaborations and Government Support
Professor Oladiji noted that FUTA has deepened its global presence through international research collaborations and academic exchange programmes in countries including Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany.
She also highlighted ongoing partnerships with industries and research institutions such as Green Energy International Limited and Lekoil Joint Venture, under the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), to enhance hydrocarbon exploration in the Otakikpo Field, Niger Delta.
The Vice-Chancellor further commended the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for approving a teaching hospital for FUTA and granting a ₦1 billion special intervention fund for agricultural commercial farming.
According to her, these initiatives will boost the university’s capacity to train medical professionals, promote food security, and support student development.
By Hamzat Omolade
