By Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has affirmed that education is a powerful tool for transformation and a cornerstone of national development.

He made this assertion during the 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

Aiyedatiwa congratulated the graduands, commending their perseverance and dedication, which culminated in their academic success.

He lauded FUTA’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike T. Oladiji, and the university management for their exceptional contributions to education, research, and technological innovation.

“You have transformed FUTA into a world-class institution with groundbreaking achievements. The calibre of graduates this university consistently produces is a testament to your resilience and commitment to excellence,” he said.

While urging the graduands to be exemplary ambassadors of the institution by upholding the virtues of integrity, hard work, and resilience, he encouraged them to use their knowledge and skills to positively impact society and their communities.

Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, the governor highlighted its commitment to education over the past four years, including regular salary payments, budgetary provisions, and financial interventions for state-owned institutions.

He assured the university community of continued collaboration and an enabling environment to promote academic development and innovation.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, expressed concern over the massive brain drain in the country, with youths choosing the “easy option of emigrating to the proverbial greener pastures” instead of joining hands to recover Nigeria’s lost glory and virtues.

“Our intellectuals and experts, on whom the nation has invested massive resources to train in the interest of our country, are migrating overseas in large numbers at a time their services are most required at home.

“It is heart-rending, and this syndrome is not the solution to our problems. We are not Nigerians by accident, and I believe that the Almighty God who made us Nigerians has given us the required wisdom to turn things around for our betterment.”

In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike T. Oladiji, emphasized that the institution remains committed to fostering excellence in education, research, and innovation.

The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the unwavering support of parents and guardians, emphasizing that their sacrifices and encouragement were pivotal to the success of the graduands.

Professor Oladiji highlighted FUTA’s ongoing commitment to its mission of advancing education through innovation in science, technology, and engineering.

She expressed gratitude to the Ondo State Government, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for its continuous support of education.

The university conferred postgraduate diplomas, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees on 1,280 graduands: PGD (344), Master’s (756), and PhD (180).