On December 7, 2024, the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) held its 36th convocation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history. The event was a celebration of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership, as FUTO honoured three prominent national icons with honorary doctorate degrees. This blog post delves into the highlights of the convocation, the achievements of the graduating class, and the significance of the honorary awards.
The Convocation Ceremony
The 36th convocation ceremony took place at FUTO’s Convocation Arena, attracting a diverse array of dignitaries, including Senators Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi and Ali Ndume, as well as the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti. The event was a testament to FUTO’s commitment to excellence in education and its role in fostering national development through academic achievements and leadership recognition.
Honouring National Icons
During the ceremony, FUTO conferred honorary Doctor of Management degrees on three distinguished Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to leadership and national development:
- Senator Oluremi Tinubu: The First Lady of Nigeria was recognized for her dedication to education and national transformation. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized the importance of education as a key driver of national progress.
- Governor Hope Uzodimma: The Governor of Imo State was celebrated for his efforts in upgrading the Federal Medical Centre Owerri to the Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri, as well as his initiatives to address land encroachment and security challenges in the state. Uzodimma expressed gratitude for the honour, highlighting FUTO’s partnership with the state government in driving development and innovation.
- Governor Babagana Zulum: The Governor of Borno State was also awarded for his leadership and contributions to national development.
These honorary degrees underscore FUTO’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in leadership and governance.
Academic Achievements
The convocation ceremony also celebrated the academic accomplishments of FUTO’s graduating class. Notable achievements included:
- Jerry Chiemena: Emerged as the best graduating student in the university with a remarkable CGPA of 4.89 from the Department of Mechatronics Engineering.
- Okeke Makuochukwu: Achieved a CGPA of 4.87 from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
- Azunife Chinyere: Honoured as the best graduating student in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology with a CGPA of 4.73 and recognized as the best female graduate.
These outstanding students exemplify FUTO’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and innovation.
University Progress and Achievements
FUTO’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nnenna Oti, highlighted the university’s significant progress over the past year, including:
- Full Accreditation of 21 Academic Programs: Demonstrating FUTO’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
- Advancements in ICT: Enhancing digital infrastructure to support modern learning and research.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in facilities to improve the learning environment.
- Research Innovations: Fostering a culture of research and innovation among students and faculty.
These achievements reflect FUTO’s ongoing efforts to enhance its academic offerings and contribute to technological advancements in Nigeria.
Conclusion
FUTO’s 36th convocation ceremony was a celebration of excellence, leadership, and innovation. By honouring national icons and recognizing the achievements of its graduating class, FUTO reinforced its position as a leading institution in Nigeria. As the university continues to drive technological progress and foster academic excellence, it remains a beacon of hope for the future of education in West Africa.