The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has cautioned that the certificates of any alumnus found guilty of misconduct may be withdrawn.
The warning was issued by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adenike Oladiji on Friday during the 36th Convocation and Award of First Degrees, where 2,747 students graduated.
Prof. Oladiji encouraged the graduands to turn current economic challenges into opportunities for creativity and innovation, stressing that character would define their future success.
“As it is often said, no man can climb beyond the limits of his character. Your character would determine how far you would go in life. Bear in mind also, the university reserves the right to withdraw your certificate if you misrepresent her anywhere,” she said.
She further admonished the graduates to uphold FUTA’s core values, stating: “Our earnest expectation is that you will become alumni to be proud of in no distant future. Skills can take you to the top, but you require character to remain there.”
The vice-chancellor highlighted FUTA’s numerous local and international accolades, attributing much of the recognition to the accomplishments of its graduates. She reiterated that the university would continue to support its alumni when necessary.
For the 2024/2025 academic session, FUTA awarded 2,747 first degrees, including 240 First Class graduates, 1,479 Second Class (Upper Division), 912 Second Class (Lower Division), and 116 Third Class graduates. Aduragbemi Akindunbi of the Department of Civil Engineering emerged as the overall best graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.98.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pro-Chancellor Prof. Nora Daduut commended President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a strategy to elevate Nigeria’s global standing and expand access to education.
Prof. Daduut highlighted the governing council’s achievements, noting its strong relations with staff and students, as well as prioritisation of staff welfare, training, and capacity building to boost productivity. She added that over 3,000 students have benefited from the student loan scheme introduced under the initiative to ease access to tertiary education.
Despite funding challenges, the pro-chancellor noted FUTA’s progress during the academic session and urged the graduating students to become agents of positive societal change.
