As the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Igun State, prepares to hold its 23rd convocation ceremony on Wednesday, the institution has announced that no fewer than 233 students benefited from a N32m disbursement under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund for the current academic session.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mikhail Akinde, disclosed this on Monday during a media chat held on the campus to herald the convocation, describing the intervention as a lifeline that enabled many students to complete their academic programmes.
Akinde said the loan scheme, introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration, had significantly reduced the financial burden on students, particularly those from indigent backgrounds.
He noted that several beneficiaries might have missed their semester examinations or dropped out entirely without the support.
The vice-chancellor described the NELFund initiative as a transformative policy in the education sector, stressing that it has improved access to tertiary education and boosted students’ academic continuity.
Speaking on the significance of the convocation, Akinde said the ceremony marks a major milestone in the institution’s transition from a polytechnic to a full-fledged university of technology, following its upgrade in May 2025.
He explained that while the transition is ongoing, the university remains committed to its core strengths in innovation, invention and fabrication.
“We are evolving into a university of technology, but we are not abandoning our foundation. Our strength remains in practical knowledge, innovation and problem-solving,” he said.
The VC also used the occasion to call on investors and captains of industry to strengthen collaboration with academic institutions by supporting and commercialising locally developed technologies.
He lamented what he described as Nigerians’ low confidence in indigenous innovations, warning that the trend continues to hinder technological advancement and industrial growth.
Citing an example, Akinde recalled how a mechanical ventilator developed by the institution during the COVID-19 pandemic failed to secure sustained investment for mass production despite initial interest from a local automobile firm.
According to him, such missed opportunities underscore the urgent need for stronger partnerships between academia and industry.
“We must begin to trust our own innovations. Without that confidence, we cannot meet the technological needs of our industries,” he added.
Akinde further disclosed that the convocation ceremony would feature the conferment of fellowship awards on notable personalities, including state governors and traditional rulers, in recognition of their contributions to national development.
He reiterated the institution’s commitment to strengthening “town and gown” relationships and driving research that addresses the needs of Nigeria’s Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises.
The vice-chancellor expressed optimism that with sustained support from government and the private sector, the university would play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s technological capacity.
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