FUTA Celebrates 36th Convocation with a Focus on Excellence and Innovation
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) is set to mark its 36th Convocation Ceremony with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, innovation, and global relevance. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, has reaffirmed the university’s commitment to these values during a press conference held to announce the upcoming event.
Speaking at the press conference, Oladiji highlighted that FUTA has reached new heights in academic and research excellence through purposeful leadership, strategic partnerships, and bold reforms. She emphasized that under her administration, the university has made significant progress in infrastructural development, academic achievements, staff welfare, and international collaborations.
FUTA continues to maintain its reputation as Nigeria’s leading university of technology by focusing on innovation-driven research and community-oriented programs that address 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.
A Record Number of Graduates
This year’s convocation ceremony will see a total of 3,614 students graduate, including 2,747 undergraduates and 867 postgraduates, among whom are 154 PhD holders. The breakdown of the figures shows that 1,479 graduates obtained Second Class Upper Division, while 912 and 116 bagged Second Class Lower and Third Class degrees, respectively.
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.
A Week of Events and Recognitions
The convocation activities, scheduled from November 7 to 15, 2025, will feature several events, including the Excellence and Productivity Awards, Career Talks, Alumni Reunion, Project Commissioning, and the Award of Degrees. One of the highlights of the event will be the Convocation Lecture titled “Strategies and Tactics for Solving Skills Challenges in Nigeria: The Roles of Government, Institutions and the Youth,” delivered by former Minister of Justice and Labour, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN).
Expanding Horizons Through Research and Innovation
FUTA has witnessed steady expansion in academic programs, infrastructural development, and research breakthroughs. The university’s Teaching Hospital, established with the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has positioned FUTA as a center for medical training and health research.
Several key projects, including modern lecture theatres, laboratories, and hostels, have been completed using funds from TETFund, PTDF, and internally generated resources, while others are ongoing to further enhance teaching and research capacity. Notable innovations by FUTA students include an autonomous UAV for environmental monitoring and a biomass cookstove that generates electricity from heat.
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. FUTA researchers have also gained international recognition through collaborations with institutions in Denmark, China, the Czech Republic, and the United States.
Recognition and Support
A research team recently received a Presidential Patent Award for producing biodiesel from renewable Sprirogyra 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.
Over 3,000 FUTA students have benefited from the Federal Government’s student loan scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has been a major relief for undergraduates facing financial challenges. However, Oladiji expressed concern over the low level of awareness and participation among students, urging them to take advantage of the scheme.
Acknowledging Key Supporters
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.
Looking Ahead
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.