The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has congratulated graduates of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), encouraging them to put the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to productive use in advancing national development.

Emetu, who represented Governor Alex Otti at the university’s 38th Convocation Ceremony in Owerri, conveyed the governor’s goodwill message to the graduating students, the institution’s management, staff, parents, and guardians.

Addressing participants at the event, the deputy governor described the occasion as a celebration of perseverance, academic achievement, resilience, and the immense potential of Nigerian youths.

He congratulated the graduating students on successfully completing their academic programmes and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution wherever life takes them.

The convocation ceremony also featured a message from President Bola Tinubu, delivered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN).

In the message, the President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting science, technology, and innovation through sustained investments in higher education, particularly in universities of technology.

He noted that FUTO occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s drive toward technological advancement and human capital development.

Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved significant funding for selected federal universities under intervention programmes designed to strengthen engineering and technology education, with FUTO listed among the beneficiary institutions.

Earlier, the Chancellor of FUTO, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammadu Bakindo Aliyu Musdafa, described education as the bedrock of national development and commended the university for producing highly skilled professionals contributing to industrial and technological growth.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 13th Governing Council, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, praised the institution’s long-standing reputation for excellence, noting that FUTO graduates have continued to distinguish themselves as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in various sectors.

He also commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nnenna Nnannaya Oti, for her transformative leadership and achievements during her five years in office.

Delivering her final convocation address as the university’s 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oti highlighted several milestones recorded during her administration, including improvements in infrastructure, academic programmes, staff welfare, research funding, international partnerships, and uninterrupted academic calendars.

She stated that the university maintained academic stability throughout her tenure and achieved notable progress in programme accreditation, student enrolment, power supply infrastructure, and staff development.

Professor Oti further disclosed that a total of 3,061 students graduated with first degrees, while 297 postgraduate students received higher degrees and diplomas during the convocation ceremony.

She added that 86 students earned First Class honours, with the overall best graduating student, Mr. Onyeka Chinecherem, emerging as the top-performing graduate.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Mr. Chinecherem expressed appreciation to God, the university authorities, lecturers, and parents for their support and sacrifices throughout his academic journey. He pledged that members of the graduating class would continue to uphold the values and reputation of the institution.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata, Group Chief Executive Officer of MRS Holdings Limited; and Barrister Catherine Uju Ifejika, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Brittania-U Group, in recognition of their contributions to national development, business growth, and philanthropy.

The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, academics, business leaders, alumni, parents, and well-wishers from across the country, who joined the university community in celebrating another successful convocation ceremony.