President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening universities of technology across the country, describing science, technology and innovation as key drivers of Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday at the 38th convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where he was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN.

He congratulated graduating students and praised the institution for maintaining academic excellence and contributing to technological advancement in Nigeria.

The President noted that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government has continued to invest in infrastructure, research, and technical education. He added that FUTO is among beneficiaries of the ₦48 billion TETFund Special High-Impact Intervention Projects for federal universities.

Tinubu also emphasized the need for Nigerian universities to close gaps in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, clean energy, and quantum computing.

He urged institutions of technology to remain focused on producing skilled graduates capable of driving industrial growth and national development.

The President further assured that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting FUTO’s land from encroachment, while encouraging sound governance, talent attraction, and innovation-driven learning in universities.

He commended the institution for producing graduates contributing to key sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and information technology.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 13th Governing Council, Senator Jack Tilley-Gyado, also praised the university, describing it as a leading institution known for producing job creators rather than job seekers.

He highlighted several achievements under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nnenna Oti, including stable academic calendars, new academic programmes, full course accreditation, improved staff welfare, enhanced power supply, and a 1,200-bed hostel project delivered through a Public-Private Partnership.

Senator Tilley-Gyado also commended President Tinubu, Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Governor Hope Uzodinma, and the university management for their support.

In her farewell convocation address as the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Oti reflected on her five-year tenure, noting major progress in academics and administration.

She said the university successfully cleared a two-year academic backlog and ensured that students she matriculated graduated on schedule. She also stated that FUTO’s national ranking improved significantly, rising from 34th to 11th position, while graduates ranked second in the National Employability Index.

According to her, the institution secured 11 TETFund National Research Fund grants worth over ₦256 million in 2024 and introduced 17 new academic programmes during her administration.

Prof. Oti also highlighted infrastructural and academic milestones, including the upgrade of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, to a teaching hospital, expansion of student admission capacity, and international accreditation of selected postgraduate programmes.

She attributed many of these achievements to interventions under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while thanking stakeholders for their support.

Representing Governor Alex Otti of Alex Otti, Abia State Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu congratulated graduating students and commended the university leadership for its progress.

The ceremony also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Barrister Catherine Uju Ifejika; and Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata in recognition of their contributions to national development.