Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has advised the graduands of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, to use the knowledge and skills acquired in the institution for a positive change of society. 

Mr Aiyedatiwa said it was important for the graduands, who had received the best education in the technology institution to showcase the power of their creativity as they move into a competitive world. 

He spoke at the combined 34th and 35th combined convocation ceremony of FUTA held at the institution’s auditorium at the weekend. 

The governor reminded the graduands to always be good ambassadors of the school, stressing that the education in which they acquired is a powerful tool of transformation. 

He also noted that it was important for the graduating students to inculcate the virtues and integrity of what the institution stands for. 

He stated, “To the graduands of today, it is important to remind you that you are going into a competitive world. It is time to showcase the power of knowledge and creativity that you have acquired over the years for the benefit of the larger society.  We urge you to be good ambassadors and uphold the virtues of integrity, hard work, and resilience which this great institution has inculcated in you. As you go forth, remember that education is a powerful tool for transformation. You must use your knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in your communities and our great country.’’

Mr Aiyedatiwa celebrated the parents and guardians of the graduands for their contributions to the development of the university. 

Saluting them for their faith and inspiration towards their children, the governor said the convocation would have proven difficult, if not impossible, especially without them standing by their children’s graduates. 

He commended the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Adenike Oladiji, for her doggedness in promoting educational development and her tireless efforts in shaping the minds of the future generations.

According to the governor, Mrs Oladiji’s commitment to excellence is evident in the calibre of graduates the university has always produced with the new set of graduates. 

He said, “You have transformed FUTA to a world-class institution with groundbreaking records in research and technological innovations, apart from regularly churning out quality graduates who have been making impacts in various fields of endeavours in Nigeria and all over the world. This can only be the result of your resilience and unwavering commitment to academic excellence “

Promising that his administration would continue to give priority to education, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the university and government must continue to work together to promote education, innovation, and progress. 

He added that his administration in the last four years had demonstrated great commitment to the development of education. 

He said, “We prioritise the welfare of the state-owned tertiary, secondary, and primary institutions in terms of budgetary provisions, regular salaries, and financial interventions in their critical needs with a view to promoting academic excellence.  In the years ahead, we shall continue to look forward to the university community for all-round collaboration in the onerous task of building a more virile and prosperous Ondo State.’’ 

In her response, Mrs Oladiji, said the institution remained committed to fostering excellence in education, research, and innovation.

She also congratulated the graduates for their hard work, dedication, and resilience to their education while on campus, describing them as the pride of FUTA.