The Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has reaffirmed its commitment to good governance and sustaining the university’s leadership role in science and technology education.
Speaking at a three-day Council retreat in Ikogosi, Ekiti State, Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman, Senator Nora Daduut, said the session offered an opportunity to review achievements, strengthen collaboration, and chart a new course for FUTA.
“The purpose of the retreat is not merely to look back but to move forward with intention. It is a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and strategic planning,” Daduut said, stressing transparency, accountability, and excellence in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative.
In his keynote, Professor Olushola Aderounmu, Chairman of the Governing Council, Federal University, Kashere, identified historical power struggles and political interference as challenges between university councils and management. He urged regular feedback, role clarity, and structured communication to foster synergy.
FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, in her address on “State of the University: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities,” highlighted gains in research, teaching, community service, and infrastructure. She, however, pointed out persistent hurdles such as poor funding, energy shortages, staffing gaps, weak industry links, and inadequate hostel facilities.
Despite these, she assured that FUTA would “leverage strengths, seize opportunities, and mitigate threats to sustain its global relevance as Nigeria’s leading university of technology.”
Resource persons, including former University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Olufemi Bamiro, stressed the need for universities to drive innovation through globally connected research and stronger industry collaboration.
Closing the retreat, Registrar and Council Secretary, Mr. Charles Adeleye, thanked participants, describing the deliberations as a major step toward building a stronger FUTA.
