Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nnenna Oti has been at the forefront of transformative initiatives at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) in June 2025, reinforcing her commitment to academic excellence, community development, and institutional growth. Her leadership this month has been marked by significant projects and policy actions that underscore her vision for a world-class technological university.
Strengthening Institutional Integrity and Transparency
One of the hallmark events under Prof. Oti’s leadership was the inauguration of the Board of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTU) at FUTO. This board is a critical step towards fostering a culture of accountability and ethical governance within the university. By establishing ACTU, the Vice-Chancellor has demonstrated her zero-tolerance stance on corruption and her dedication to transparency, which aligns with her broader mission to nurture exceptional staff and students in a technology-driven environment.
Commitment to Gender Equality and Safe Campus Environment
Prof. Oti has also reiterated FUTO’s unwavering position on maintaining zero tolerance for sexual harassment, reinforcing the university’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive campus for all students and staff. This policy is part of her broader gender policy initiatives aimed at protecting rights and promoting equality across the university community.
Infrastructure Development and Academic Facilities Expansion
June saw Prof. Oti commissioning several key infrastructure projects that enhance FUTO’s academic and administrative capabilities. Notably, she unveiled the new administrative building for the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CE-sPESS). This state-of-the-art facility, completed in a record 10 months, includes 15 offices, computer labs, social standards studios, and relaxation areas, setting a new standard for university infrastructure. This building not only supports CE-sPESS’s accredited programs but also serves as a hub for fostering academic excellence and sustainability education at FUTO.
In addition, Prof. Oti commissioned three completed building projects: the University Central Store, the Department of Computer Science block, and the Department of Information Technology block. These facilities, some funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), are vital to enhancing the university’s capacity to deliver quality education and research in cutting-edge technological fields. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that such developments are part of leaving a lasting legacy, a goal she continually strives to achieve through efficient project delivery and attracting viable investments to FUTO.
Community Engagement and Social Inclusivity
Under Prof. Oti’s leadership, FUTO launched a groundbreaking N30 million host community intervention fund aimed at fostering good neighborliness and social inclusivity. This fund supports scholarships, poverty alleviation, and community development projects targeted at students, indigent widows, youths, and other community members in the university’s host communities. The initiative reflects a paradigm shift in how the university engages with its neighbors, promoting transparency and accountability in the use of funds and strengthening the bond between FUTO and its surrounding communities.
Advancing ICT and Research Innovation
Prof. Oti also led discussions with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the French Development Agency (AFD) on a proposed ICT development project. This initiative aims to deepen the impact of ICT on innovation, education, research, and development at FUTO, positioning the university as a leader in technological advancement in Nigeria. The project, which is highly competitive among Nigerian federal universities, will further enhance FUTO’s capacity to host and sustain cutting-edge research and development programs.
Visionary Leadership and Legacy
Prof. Nnenna Oti, the 8th Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, brings over 34 years of academic and administrative experience to her role. Her tenure is characterized by a strategic focus on transforming FUTO into a world-class institution that nurtures promising students and exceptional staff in science, technology, and enterprise. Her leadership style combines academic rigor, infrastructural development, community engagement, and ethical governance, all aimed at repositioning FUTO as a production-oriented university with a strong technological base.
In summary, June 2025 has been a month of dynamic progress at FUTO under Prof. Nnenna Oti’s stewardship. From inaugurating anti-corruption units and reinforcing gender policies to commissioning major infrastructure projects and launching community development funds, her initiatives are setting a robust foundation for sustainable growth and excellence. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire confidence in FUTO’s future as a leading technological university in Nigeria and beyond.
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