The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), Dr. M. A. Akinde, has assured newly admitted students of comprehensive academic and welfare support as the institution matriculated 16,510 students for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Delivering his address at the matriculation ceremony, held at the Dr Raheem Oloyo Conference Centre, Wednesday, the 25th day of February, 2025, Dr. Akinde declared, “We are here to guide, mentor, and support you all the way”.
In a major boost to student welfare, the Acting Vice-Chancellor announced that ₦27.53 million in student loans had been disbursed to 232 students through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) via the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Dr. Akinde expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the student loan policy, describing it as a landmark reform aimed at expanding access to tertiary education in Nigeria.
The Acting VC hinted a historic phase in the institution’s transformation from Federal Polytechnic Ilaro to the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI), following President Tinubu’s assent to the Establishment Act in 2024 and its gazetting in May 2025.
He said the upgrade would strengthen Nigeria’s technological and innovation ecosystem and position FUTI as a key hub for technical and applied sciences.
According to official data as released by the Acting VC, a total of 19,810 candidates applied for admission, with 16,510 admitted—an 83% admission rate.
The institution currently runs 104 academic programmes, with over 77% in technical fields, including engineering, applied sciences, agriculture, and environmental studies.
Dr Akinde noted that the institution’s strong focus on technical education has driven innovation and national recognition in recent competitions organised by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Commenting on the newly approved FUTI, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Akinde highlighted FUTI’s commitment to producing globally competitive graduates through hands-on training and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Facilities such as the Entrepreneurship Development and Skill Acquisition Centre (EDASAC), Innovation Centre, driving school, and CISCO e-learning platforms were cited as critical to preparing students for the modern workforce.
He urged students to embrace integrity, hard work, creativity, and excellence as core values.
Beyond financial support, the Acting Vice-Chancellor outlined several welfare initiatives, including 24-hour medical services, guidance and counselling units, shuttle bus services, work-study schemes, and accommodation support.
He encouraged students to maintain positive relationships with the host community and adhere to institutional rules and regulations.
Invited security experts; NDLEA and NPF, as well as relevant heads of Departments warned the freshers against misconduct such as examination malpractice, drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, indecent dressing, and other violations, urging them to report grievances through appropriate channels to maintain a safe and conducive academic environment.
Dr. Akinde thanked traditional rulers, host communities, staff unions, alumni, security agencies, and regulatory bodies including JAMB, TETFund, WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB for their support in the institution’s development.
He concluded by assuring parents and guardians that FUTI would provide a nurturing environment for their children/wards respectively to thrive academically and morally.
“Our goal is to build a globally relevant technology-driven university that will drive innovation and national development,” the Acting VC Akinde assured.
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