By Ado Oyeyemi, Akure
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extolled the academic virtues of the Federal University of Technology, Akure ( FUTA) as the institution held its 33rd convocation.
Tinubu, who was represented by visiting lecturer at the National University Commission (NUC), Prof King David Tanayaweh, said that it was worth-noting that the ceremony was held at a time when the university was being celebrated across the country for its recent achievements as one of the best universities in Nigeria and the world.
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the year 2024, FUTA is rated Third Best University in Nigeria.
He said that FUTA has maintained its lead as the best University of Technology in Nigeria.
“This is no mean feat, and it would not have been possible without the able leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Management and responsible followership of staff and students of this great Institution, who have worked tirelessly to make this achievements a reality.
“This is a clear evidence that this University is actively committed to excellence in spite of its challenges,” he said.
The president assured Nigerians that his government was making frantic efforts to address the challenges facing educational institutions in the country.
According to him, the government would not shirk its responsibilities but ensure that educational institutions get their dues in order to perform their statutory duties optimally.
“To put this in motion, one of my first actions as the President of Nigeria after my inauguration was the signing of the Students Loan Bill into law.
“This Act will enable indigent students in all our tertiary institutions have access to interest-free loans which they would pay back at their convenience in future when they are gainfully employed.
“ Under my watch and as I have said in my manifesto, no student will drop out of school as a result of inability to pay school charges,” he promised.
He added that the government would make welfare, including human and infrastructural development a priority to the university community, saying that there could be stability in the university academic calendar if stakeholders could come together as one.
Tinubu stated that such feat could only be achieved unless a peaceful teaching and learning environment is guaranteed, and purposeful and participatory governance is fostered.
He, therefore, felicitated with the graduating students for breaking through the rigours of academic works with good results and sound moral character.
He tasked all unions in universities in the country to cooperate with the government in order to deliver the needed development by ensuring an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity on our campuses.
“On our part, we will ensure that motivational activities are put in place to ensure improved productivity.
“Reciprocative actions would be expected from our universities as Government works hard to raise the bar of conducive teaching and learning environment.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. Dialogue, patience, and positive engagements are better means of achieving results over strike actions. Industrial disharmony does nothing but to disrupt life, waste time and elongate academic calendar.
“Therefore, all avenues for dialogue must be explored and exhausted before strike actions are considered, and as the last resort,” he stated.
He called on individuals and corporate organizations to support the sector, saying that education is capital-intensive.
“For adequate funding, therefore, all the stakeholders have a role to play. Suffice to say that Government alone cannot do the funding.
“I, therefore, call on the organized private sector operators and international partners to collaborate with our universities and research institutes in the areas of research funding and utilization of research outputs for national integration and development.
“This will also rub on our graduates in the areas of value addition, experience, hands-on training, exposure and less expenditure on employees’ engagement and training. READ ALSO:
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If this kind of learning environment is achieved, we will definitely have students who will be well focussed, eschew all forms of violence and other anti-social behaviours.
“ Hence, it is my belief that today’s graduands have been certified not only for their academic standing, but also for being worthy in character,” he said.
He commended and congratulated the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Temidayo Oladiji and her team for achieving great success in the university.
