Ahead of the FUTO 33rd Convocation Ceremony billed for Saturday, 4th December, 2021, the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Mrs. Nnenna N. Oti addressed members of the Press on November 30, 2021.
The event, which took place at the University Council/Senate Chamber, had in attendance the Management Staff, Deans, Directors, and other high-ranking officers of the institution.
While addressing the audience comprising gentlemen of the electronic and print media from both local and national outlets, Prof. Oti stated that the University was once again ready to send-forth another set of graduants who had distinguished themselves in learning and character, to the wider society.
Prof. Oti, commenced by outlining the activities heralding the Convocation Ceremony, equally used the avenue to disclose the current State of the University.
She disclosed that Tuesday to Saturday were scheduled to usher in the Press Briefing, Ecumenical service, Tree Planting & Alumni Night with Chancellor, Convocation Lecture, and the 33rd Convocation Ceremony, respectively. The lecture, which will be on Friday, is titled "Challenge of funding and Survival of University Education in Nigeria: Options for Radical Trajectory in Nigerian Universities" to be delivered by the Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON.
According to Prof. Oti, who assumed duty precisely on 19th June 2021 as the 8th Substantive VC of FUTO, ground had been set running by the Management team in accordance with the administration's mantra of 'Consolidating the Culture of Excellence'.
The VC notified that the administration had already embarked on a number of internal reforms to improve on the teaching, research and service delivery of the University.
She further stated that the Management was determined to overcome the setback witnessed in the academic calendar occasioned by COVID-19 lockdowns and prolonged ASUU strike in 2020. Hence, said they were on course to normalize the academic activities by the end of the first quarter of 2022.
On some of the most recent achievements in the institution, the VC mentioned but not limited to: establishment of College of Medicine, School of Electrical Systems Engineering Technology (SESET), Centre of Excellence on Local Materials Substitutions, making it three centres of excellence in the University as well as successful recovery of the University land from grabbers and speculators at Avu along Port-Harcourt road and fencing of the proposed site for the Medicine College & Teaching Hospital.
She said her administration was looking forward to establish School of Pharmacy and Nursing, expand free internet access to every student and staff on the campus, perimeter fencing of the University as well as digitalize all students' records and results, among others.
The VC, therefore, appreciated the Imo State Government Senator Hope Uzodinma and the University 12th Governing Council led by the Pro-Chancellor, Sen. Jack Tilley-Gyado, for their respective supports.
Prof. Oti also thanked pressmen in the State for their continued solidarity, therefore assured that her administration would not cease to partner with them in view to uplift of the University.
When asked the major challenge being faced by FUTO, Prof. Oti responded that paucity of funds had remained the major plight of the University, hence appealed to well-spirited individuals and corporate bodies to come to the aid of the institution.
On his Vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Imo State Correspondents' Chapel, Mr. Chris Njoku of the Nation Newspaper commended the VC, Prof. Oti for her 'well-scripted' address.
He equally appreciated the Amazon over her style of leadership thus far since she assumed duty, thus enjoined her to keep it up, as he pledged continual unalloyed supports of the journalists
