As BTO delivers convocation lecture

By Saheed Ibrahim

No fewer than 519 students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), will bag First Class honours at the University’s combined 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies.

The University stated that a total of 6,405 students will graduate at the ceremonies, slated for the 22nd and 29th–30th of November.

Speaking at the press briefing heralding the ceremonies, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, said a total of 3,408 students will bag Second Class Upper Division, while 2,139 will graduate with Second Class Lower Division for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 graduating sets.

While Faromika Ifeoluwa Faith and Vitowanu John Bull Aanuoluwapo emerged as the best graduating students (CGPA: 4.96) for the 2022/2023 academic session, Ajakaye Oluwasegun Joshua emerged as the best graduating student (CGPA: 4.95) for the 2023/2024 academic session.

Oladiji added that the convocation lecture, titled “Technology Innovations: A Panacea to Food Insecurity,” will be delivered by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, on 29th November 2024.

Reeling out some of the recent achievements of the University, established in 1981, the VC said FUTA honorary degree awards will be conferred on three distinguished Nigerians: Professor Daniel Olukoya, Mr Ayorinde Ogunruku, and Mr Joel Ogunsola.

While stressing that FUTA has maintained its position as the best university of technology in Nigeria, Oladiji said the University remains one of the top ten universities in the country.

She added that the University’s scholars achieved 40% citations in the World’s Top 2% Scientists List and won about $1 million in research grants, among other achievements by the school, its alumni, and its students.

Oladiji stated that FUTA has about 20,000 students and 59 fully accredited academic programmes, with more programmes set to be accredited by the Nigerian University Commission.

She appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his immense support to the University, especially for approving the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, for the clinical training of students in the MBBS programme.

The VC extended her gratitude to the principal officials, staff, students, and other stakeholders of the University for their commitment and contributions to attaining the goals of the University.