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

Emetu, who represented Governor Alex Otti at the university’s 38th Convocation Ceremony held in Owerri, conveyed the governor’s congratulations to the graduating students, the university management, academic and non-academic staff, as well as parents and guardians.

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

He commended the graduating students for successfully completing their programmes and urged them to remain exemplary ambassadors of FUTO wherever life takes them.

The 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, Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN.

In the message, the President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation through continuous investment in higher education, particularly institutions focused on technological development.

Tinubu noted that FUTO remains strategically positioned to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s technological advancement and human capital development. He also disclosed that the university is among the beneficiaries of special federal intervention programmes designed to strengthen engineering and technology education across the country.

Earlier, the Chancellor of FUTO, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammadu Bakindo Aliyu Musdafa, described education as a vital foundation for national progress and praised the university for its role in producing highly skilled professionals who contribute to industrial and technological growth.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 13th Governing Council, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, also applauded the institution’s longstanding reputation for excellence. He noted that FUTO graduates have consistently distinguished themselves as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in various sectors of the economy.

He further commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya Oti, for her transformational leadership and the achievements recorded during her five-year tenure.

In her final convocation address as the university’s eighth substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oti highlighted key accomplishments of her administration, including improvements in infrastructure, academic programmes, staff welfare, research funding, international partnerships, and uninterrupted academic calendars.

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

According to her, a total of 3,061 students received first degrees during the convocation, while 297 postgraduate students were awarded higher degrees and diplomas.

She also announced that 86 students graduated with First Class honours, with Mr. Onyeka Chinecherem emerging as the overall best graduating student due to his outstanding academic performance.

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

One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on 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, and philanthropy.

The event attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including government officials, traditional rulers, academics, business leaders, alumni, parents, and other well-wishers who gathered to celebrate another successful convocation ceremony at the institution.