The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) on Friday, November 29, 2024, conferred first degrees on 6,405 graduates from the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions during its 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies. Special prizes were also awarded to students with outstanding academic performances. Among the graduates, 519 earned First Class honours across various departments, 3,408 achieved Second Class (Upper Division), 2,139 graduated with Second Class (Lower Division), and 339 earned Third Class degrees.
The top performers included Ifeoluwa Faith Faromika from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Johnbull Aanuoluwapo Vitowanu from the Industrial and Production Engineering Department, who were joint valedictorians for the 2022/2023 session with CGPAs of 4.96. For the 2023/2024 session, Oluwasegun Joshua Ajakaye from the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering emerged as the valedictorian with a CGPA of 4.95.
In her address, Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, FAS, commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience. She reiterated FUTA’s commitment to excellence, emphasizing that its graduates are equipped to excel in character and learning, with the skills to make positive global impacts. Professor Oladiji highlighted the University’s recent milestones, including its ranking among Nigeria’s top ten universities, groundbreaking research collaborations, and the inclusion of 40 academic staff members among the world’s top 2% of scientists. She urged the graduates to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence and to utilize their skills to be productive and impactful ambassadors of the University.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator (Professor) Nora Daduut, encouraged the graduates to exemplify integrity and excellence. She commended the University’s leadership for nurturing graduates worthy in both character and learning. Senator Daduut pledged the Governing Council’s support for the University’s continued progress and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the privilege to serve the institution. She noted that the convocation marked the Governing Council’s first ceremony at FUTA, heralding the beginning of new achievements.
In his valedictory speech, Ajakaye Oluwasegun Joshua expressed gratitude to God and all who contributed to his success, urging his peers to embrace resilience. He quoted Maya Angelou: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
Johnbull Aanuoluwapo Vitowanu shared his story of overcoming personal challenges to achieve success, emphasizing the values of leadership, perseverance, and compassion.
Ifeoluwa Faith Faromika encouraged his peers to remain industrious and courageous in meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving technological world. He highlighted the importance of adaptability and purpose-driven leadership, urging the graduates to contribute meaningfully to society.
The convocation ceremony marked a significant milestone for FUTA, celebrating academic excellence and the readiness of its graduates to contribute positively to the global community.
