240 Students Graduate with First-Class Honours from FUTA
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has witnessed a remarkable achievement as 240 students graduated with first-class honours from various departments within the institution. This significant number represents a substantial portion of the total graduates expected to receive their degrees during the upcoming convocation ceremony.
According to the university, a total of 2,747 students will be awarded first degrees in the convocation, with 240 of them achieving first-class honours. The breakdown of the graduating classes reveals that 1,479 students graduated with second-class (upper division), while 912 and 116 students received second-class (lower division) and third-class honours respectively.
In addition to the undergraduate students, 867 postgraduate students will also be awarded their degrees. This includes 627 students who will receive Master of Technology (MTECH) degrees, 86 with Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD), and 154 PhD holders.
A Testament to Excellence
The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, highlighted the factors contributing to the outstanding performance of the first-class graduates. She emphasized the consistent efforts of the students, their discipline, and the conducive learning environment provided by the university.
“Today’s results reflect the continued commitment of FUTA to maintaining its status as one of Nigeria’s leading universities of technology,” she stated. Despite facing numerous challenges, the university has consistently held its position at the forefront of technological education and research.
Prof. Oladiji further noted that FUTA is strengthening its reputation as a research-intensive institution, focusing on areas such as climate and space science, agriculture, engineering, computing, and digital expertise. The university’s faculty and students are increasingly making an impact on the global academic stage through their participation in cutting-edge research and product development.
Addressing Challenges in Student Loan Awareness
While celebrating academic achievements, Prof. Oladiji also addressed concerns regarding the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). She mentioned that over 3,000 students have benefited from the scheme, but there is a lack of awareness and willingness among some students to take advantage of it.
“The level of awareness by the students is quite low. We are trying to get them to be aware of it. And then the disposition, also, a lot of people think, why should they go to school on credit?” she explained.
She clarified that the government is committed to disbursing funds to eligible students, and the current low number of beneficiaries is due to limited applications rather than a lack of government support. With the portal reopened, the university is encouraging students to apply for the loans.
Government Initiatives to Support Tertiary Institutions
The Punch reported that the Federal Government has started disbursing interest-free loans under the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund. This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister for Education, launched the program at FUTA. He was accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, as he presented cheques to some of the beneficiaries.
Dr. Alausa revealed that over 30,000 academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions had applied for the loans, with 9,000 applications approved so far. This initiative aims to provide financial support to staff members, enhancing their ability to contribute effectively to the educational sector.