By Precious Oluwole

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on organized private sector to collaborate with research institutions with a view to develop and replicate research outputs for the benefits of Nigeria citizens and improvement of the economy.

President Tinubu made this call at the grand finale of the 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

The President who was represented by the Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, noted the specialized and conventional universities, research institutes and other tertiary institutions in Nigeria were established as solution-providers and problem-solvers to all local and national problems.

“Our tertiary and research institutions are much more relevant at this time. The present economic situation in our country requires our institutions to join our efforts towards giving better life to our people and making for ourselves a prosperous nation. The government is expecting homegrown solutions to our common problems”.

He encouraged all our researchers to bring up their research outputs that will improve the well-being of our people.

He commended Prof Oladiji for sustaining and improving the excellent performance of the institution as the first female Vice Chancellor, stressing that the university has fulfilled its purpose of establishment, congratulating the management of the institution for their successes of the convocation ceremonies.

President Tinubu called on the graduating students as well as other citizens to join hands together to recover the lost glory and virtues of the country.

He also implored all the unions in Nigerian universities to cooperate with the Government in order to deliver the needed development by ensuring an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity on campuses. “On our part, we will ensure that incentives are emplaced for improved productivity.

“This administration is committed to restoring the lost glory of the Nigerian educational system devoid of industrial unrest occasioned by students’ and staff unions’ protests and strikes. I crave the indulgence of all the stakeholders to join hands with my administration to ensure that we have a University system that is not only stable but also progressive to the admiration of all”, he concluded.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa restated his administration’s commitment to the development of the educational sector of the State.

According to the Governor, “Our administration in the last four years has demonstrated great commitment to the development of education. 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. We shall do much more in the coming years”.

“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. On our part as a government, we urge you to count on our administration to continue to provide an enabling atmosphere required for flourishing academic development, innovation, enterprise and knowledge.

“We share a collective vision and mission towards nation-building in support of the RENEWED HOPE Agenda of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

He commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Chairman and Members of the Governing Council and the Management and Staff of the institution for their doggedness in the task of promoting educational development and for their tireless efforts in shaping the minds of the future generations.

“Your commitment to excellence is evident in the caliber of graduates this University had always produced, including those we are celebrating today. 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.

While congratulating the graduands, the Governor said it is time to showcase the power of knowledge and creativity which their 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, hardwork 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”.

He also celebrated all the parents and guardians for their incredible support to their wards and for their immense contributions to the development of the University.

Earlier, The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Mrs Adenike Oladiji appreciated God for the success of the combined convocation ceremonies.

Oladiji appreciated President Tinubu for his fatherly interest in the institution and for the various interventions in the institution which has improved the teaching and learning environment and has impacted very positively on the ranking of the institution in the community of Nigerian Universities.

She appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa strives in the socio economic advancement of the Sunshine State. “We hope that the relationship between State Government and our university will not only continue but will be taken to a much higher level”.

She also acknowledged the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi for his fatherly support, as well as the entire Akure community.

She urged the graduands not to rest, as excellence is a never ending journey. “You should keep in your hearts, the core values of FUTA, remember that you are the most important image makers for the university. You should do all within you power to project FUTA positively wherever you go”.

During the event, the university conferred postgraduate diploma, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees on 1,280 graduands: PGD 344, Master’s 756, and PhD 180.