The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has once again reinforced its position as one of Nigeria’s foremost technology-driven universities with the graduation of 2,747 students across various disciplines, including 240 students who bagged First-Class Honours at its 36th convocation ceremony.
The announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, during a pre-convocation press briefing held at the university’s main auditorium in Akure. She noted that this year’s convocation represents not only a significant academic milestone but also a reflection of FUTA’s continuous drive towards excellence, innovation, and the nurturing of problem-solvers for national and global development.
According to the detailed classification, 1,479 students graduated with Second Class (Upper Division), 912 obtained Second Class (Lower Division), and 116 students finished with Third Class degrees, making up the 2,747 undergraduates for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Postgraduate Degrees and Academic Growth
In addition to the undergraduate degrees, FUTA will also confer 867 postgraduate awards, comprising 627 Master of Technology (M.Tech) degrees, 86 Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD), and 154 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees across various fields.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that the significant number of postgraduate awards is evidence of the university’s growing research capacity and academic depth. She emphasized that FUTA’s postgraduate programs have become a major source of innovation and policy-oriented research contributing to national development in science, engineering, and technology.
Best Graduating Student Shines with 4.98 CGPA
The overall best graduating student, Akindunbi Aduragbemi Isaac, from the Department of Civil Engineering, emerged with an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.98 out of 5.00, a feat the Vice-Chancellor described as “a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and the hallmark of the FUTA spirit.”
Akindunbi, in his valedictory remarks, dedicated his success to God, his parents, and his lecturers, while encouraging younger students to remain focused and resilient despite challenges. He expressed hopes of pursuing advanced studies in structural engineering and contributing to Nigeria’s infrastructural development.
FUTA’s Commitment to Excellence and Innovation
Professor Oladiji reaffirmed the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also capable of addressing real-world problems through technology and research.
“Our goal at FUTA has always been to raise innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs who can create sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. This set of graduates represents the future of technological advancement and nation-building,” she said.
She further noted that FUTA has continued to strengthen its partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and international organizations to enhance research funding, practical exposure, and employability opportunities for its students.
Infrastructure and Research Development
In her briefing, the Vice-Chancellor also listed some of the university’s recent infrastructural and academic achievements. These include the completion of new research laboratories in renewable energy and materials engineering, the expansion of the ICT hub, and the ongoing development of smart classrooms to improve digital learning and remote education capabilities.
She revealed that FUTA recently attracted several research grants worth millions of naira from both local and international funding bodies, which will support ongoing projects in sustainable agriculture, clean energy systems, and artificial intelligence applications.
“We are gradually transforming FUTA into a true center of excellence in science, technology, and innovation. Our commitment is to ensure that learning outcomes are matched with real-world impact,” she added.
Recognition of Outstanding Scholars and Honorary Degrees
As part of the convocation ceremony, the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished Nigerians who have made remarkable contributions to education, science, and national development. The recipients, according to the VC, were carefully selected for their exemplary service and dedication to advancing technological innovation in the country.
She also used the occasion to commend members of staff and faculty for their resilience amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, emphasizing that academic excellence could only thrive through the dedication and sacrifice of committed educators.
Academic Classification Summary
| Class of Degree | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| First Class | 240 |
| Second Class (Upper) | 1,479 |
| Second Class (Lower) | 912 |
| Third Class | 116 |
| Total | 2,747 |
Looking Ahead
FUTA’s 36th convocation ceremony, which coincides with its 42nd anniversary, will feature a week-long series of academic and cultural events, including exhibitions of research innovations, alumni homecoming activities, and keynote lectures by eminent scholars.
The convocation lecture, titled “Science, Technology, and Innovation: The Roadmap to Sustainable National Development”, will be delivered by a renowned academic and industry expert. It is expected to spark discussions on how Nigerian universities can reposition themselves as engines of economic transformation in the 21st century.
Broader Implications
The record of 240 First-Class graduates in one academic session underscores FUTA’s high academic standards and continued relevance in Nigeria’s educational landscape. In an era where employability and innovation are critical, the university’s consistent output of top-tier graduates signals hope for the country’s future workforce and knowledge economy.
However, education experts have called for sustained funding, enhanced research collaboration, and improved staff welfare to ensure that the quality of education remains uncompromised. They argue that institutions like FUTA must continue to lead by example in innovation-driven education while addressing the challenges of brain drain and underfunding that currently plague Nigeria’s higher institutions.
Conclusion
As FUTA sends forth another generation of highly skilled graduates into the world, expectations remain high that the institution’s continued emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical skills will shape the future of Nigeria’s technology and industrial sectors.
The 36th convocation is not just a celebration of academic achievement but also a reaffirmation of FUTA’s enduring legacy as a leader in technological education — a university where excellence is not just pursued but achieved.
