FIC Report (Imo State) – The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), will graduate a total of 3,358 students at its 38th Convocation Ceremony, marking another milestone in the institution’s academic journey and the conclusion of the tenure of its 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Oti.
Prof. Oti disclosed this during a pre-convocation press briefing held at the Council Chamber of the university in Owerri, describing the occasion as particularly significant as it coincides with the end of her tenure after years of impactful leadership and service to the institution.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, 3,061 students will be awarded first degrees, while 297 candidates will receive higher degrees and postgraduate diplomas during the convocation ceremony scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026.
She noted that the convocation provides an opportunity for her to present an account of stewardship as she concludes her tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the institution and humanity.
Prof. Oti announced that the overall best graduating student for the 2024/2025 academic session is Onyeka Remigius Chinecherem of the Department of Optometry, who graduated with an outstanding cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.91 on a 5.0 scale.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that the university will confer honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national development and humanity. They are the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Barr. Catherine Uju Ifejika; and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MRS Holdings Limited, Alhaji Sayyu Idris Dantata.
Reviewing the achievements of her administration, Prof. Oti highlighted significant progress in academic excellence, research, infrastructure development and institutional ranking. She disclosed that FUTO’s ranking improved from 34th to 11th position among Nigerian universities according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, while its graduates ranked second nationally in employability assessments.
She stated that the university secured 11 National Research Fund grants valued at over N256 million in 2024 and won a total of 36 research grants within five years. She also noted that 17 new academic programmes were introduced, while the number of fully accredited programmes increased from 45 to 66.
In the area of admissions, the Vice-Chancellor said the university’s carrying capacity increased by over 80 per cent, rising from slightly above 5,000 students in 2021 to more than 9,000 students currently. She added that transcript processing time has been reduced from between three and six months to less than two weeks, with processing efficiency now exceeding 98 per cent.
Prof. Oti also highlighted the impact of the university’s Centres of Excellence in attracting international funding and promoting research and innovation. According to her, the Africa Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems attracted funding exceeding six million dollars and additional grants of over one million pounds sterling, while the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards secured more than fifteen million dollars in funding.
On infrastructure development, she disclosed that FUTO attracted investments worth over N150 billion from the Federal Government, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), development partners, alumni and private organisations.
The Vice-Chancellor particularly commended the Federal Government for the successful implementation of the Energizing Education Programme Phase III Project and the installation of a 63MVA Mobile Substation, which have enabled the university to enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply.
Prof. Oti expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, TETFund, donor agencies, development partners, alumni, staff, students, friends of the university and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Jack Tilley Gyado, for their support and contributions to the institution’s growth and achievements during her administration.
She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to sustaining academic excellence, innovation and research-driven development as it continues to strengthen its position among Nigeria’s leading institutions of higher learning.
Chika Anurunwa
PIPRO, ANIPR
4/6/2026
