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), held at the university auditorium on Saturday.

In his goodwill message, 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.

The governor urged the graduands to be exemplary ambassadors of the institution by upholding the virtues of integrity, hard work, and resilience. He reminded them of the competitive nature of the global landscape and encouraged them to use their knowledge and skills to positively impact society and their communities.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for their unwavering support to the students, acknowledging their vital role in the achievements being celebrated.

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.

“In the years ahead, we shall continue to look forward to the university community for all-round collaboration in the onerous task of building a more virile and prosperous Ondo State.

“On our part as a government, we urge you to count on our administration to continue providing an enabling atmosphere required for flourishing academic development, innovation, enterprise, and knowledge.

“We share a collective vision and mission towards nation-building in support of the RENEWED HOPE agenda of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he added.

Governor Aiyedatiwa further appreciated the university community’s support during the recent gubernatorial election, where his administration secured a resounding victory. He pledged to deliver transformational development and more dividends of good governance under the renewed mandate.

In outlining his vision for Ondo State, encapsulated in the development agenda “O’ DATIWA, O’ DIRORUN,” the governor emphasised the importance of security, urban and rural development, industrialisation, healthcare, education, and sustainable agriculture. He called for collective efforts in building a prosperous state while aligning with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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

She congratulated the graduands, describing them as the pride of FUTA, and commended their hard work, dedication, and resilience, which have led to their academic achievements.

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.

“Today, we celebrate your commitment to excellence. This success story is as much yours as it is theirs,” she noted.

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

She praised the institution’s staff, students, and alumni for upholding its reputation as a world-class university and reaffirmed FUTA’s dedication to contributing to national and global development.

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

Professor Oladiji congratulated the graduating students once again and urged them to uphold the values of integrity, hard work, and innovation as they embark on the next phase of their lives.

During the event, the university conferred postgraduate diploma, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees on 1,280 graduands: PGD 344, Master’s 756, and PhD 180.