The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, will graduate 2,747 students during its 36th convocation ceremony, with 240 of them earning first-class degrees across various disciplines.
Addressing newsmen ahead of the ceremony in Akure, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, said the figures underscore the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, research-driven teaching, and innovation.
She disclosed that 1,479 students bagged Second Class Upper, 912 earned Second Class Lower, while 116 graduated with Third Class degrees.
In addition to the undergraduate degrees, 867 postgraduate students will also be awarded degrees: 627 M.Tech, 86 PGD, and 154 PhD.
Prof. Oladiji noted that first-degree awards will be presented next Friday, while postgraduate degrees will be conferred on Saturday.
The valedictory speech will be delivered by Akindunbi Aduragbemi Isaac from the Department of Civil Engineering, the overall best-graduating student with a CGPA of 4.98/5.0.
A former Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, is scheduled to deliver this year’s convocation lecture.
Speaking on the outstanding number of first-class graduates, the Vice Chancellor attributed the success to consistent effort, discipline, and the conducive learning environment provided by the university.
‘The results we are celebrating today show that FUTA continues to maintain its standard as one of Nigeria’s foremost universities of technology’, she said.
Oladiji stated that no honorary doctorate degrees would be awarded during the 2025 convocation. She reaffirmed the university’s resolve to produce graduates who are employable and capable of job creation through innovation and entrepreneurship.
She highlighted new academic programmes recently introduced by the university, including Fintech, Procurement and Value Chain Technology, and Entrepreneurship Technology, to meet modern industry demands.
The Vice Chancellor also noted FUTA’s strong commitment to research and development, saying the institution has continued to attract grants and partnerships that enhance laboratory facilities and scientific breakthroughs.
Despite funding challenges, she emphasized that the university has not increased tuition fees in the last two years, thanks to alternative revenue sources such as research collaborations, agricultural ventures, and consultancy services.
Oladiji revealed that over 3,000 FUTA students have benefited from the Federal Government’s student loan scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
While describing the scheme as a major relief for financially struggling students, she lamented the low level of awareness and uptake.
‘As we speak, we have over 3,000 students benefiting from the loan scheme. The portal has been reopened, and we are encouraging more students to apply’, she said.
‘The low numbers are not because the government is failing, but because many students are not applying’.
The Vice Chancellor appreciated the Federal Government for its support to tertiary institutions, adding that FUTA remains committed to producing world-class graduates equipped with knowledge, creativity, and character.
She commended the students for maintaining peace on campus and acknowledged the support of the Alumni Association and the institution’s Governing Council led by Senator Nora Daduut.
Oladiji also thanked the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the ongoing rehabilitation of the road leading to FUTA’s South Gate.
‘FUTA is now a key player in the global academic arena. It is living up to its billing as one of the nation’s leading citadels of excellence, where cutting-edge research and product development targeted at societal needs have become a culture’, she added.
