The new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Dr Olugbenga Awe, has pledged to work with the University community, alumni and other stakeholders to build a more vibrant institution.
Awe gave the assurance during an interactive session with staff on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, on the sidelines of the statutory council meeting he presided over.
He charged members of the University community to embrace collective responsibility, innovation and cooperation in advancing the institution.
The Pro-Chancellor noted that Nigeria needs the creativity, ideas and energy of its young people, and urged students to take full advantage of the opportunities available at FUTA.
According to him, a university degree should represent more than a certificate, and should equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and capacity to make meaningful contributions to society.
He stressed the need for the University community to manage differences amicably, noting that transformation can only be achieved through unity.
“Transformation is a collective enterprise. We must all work together,” he stated.
Awe also emphasised the need for FUTA to strengthen its relationship with industry to create more economic opportunities and ensure research outcomes contribute meaningfully to national development.
He said the University must continue to strengthen its research capacity, expressing confidence in its potential for greater accomplishments.
“My commitment to FUTA is to build a vibrant institution where alumni and stakeholders will work together to move FUTA forward. We will celebrate what is working and fix what is not working,” he said.
He assured the University community that excellence would be recognised and celebrated without discrimination, while accountability and discipline would be promoted without oppression.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, called on staff to extend their full support and cooperation to the new Pro-Chancellor as he begins his tenure.
She described FUTA as a university with rich representation across all segments of its community, including academic and non-academic staff, and students who continue to distinguish themselves in different fields.
Oladiji said the University’s motto continues to inspire its community to confront challenges with confidence, adding that FUTA has deliberately cultivated a culture of self-belief among its students.
She noted that the University has recorded remarkable achievements, particularly in the physical and life sciences, and disclosed that about seventy per cent of its academic staff are grant winners.
However, she noted that the specialised mandate of a University of Technology comes with significant financial demands.
“Our laboratories require equipment, and this places additional pressure on our resources,” she said.
While acknowledging the substantial funding received by the University, Oladiji said much more still needed to be done, particularly around staff remuneration and welfare.
She expressed confidence that the new Pro-Chancellor would bring his experience to bear in supporting the University’s aspirations and amplifying its voice on staff welfare issues.
She appealed to staff to rally round the Pro-Chancellor in the collective task of moving FUTA to greater heights.
The Registrar, Mr Charles Adeleye, described Awe’s appointment as an answer to the University community’s prayers for a Pro-Chancellor who would benefit the institution.
He said the new Pro-Chancellor possesses a robust vision for FUTA and expressed confidence that his leadership would contribute significantly to the University’s growth and development.
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