The Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Wednesday conferred Honorary Fellowship Awards on Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and UK-based entrepreneur, Mr. Sotayo Olugbenga Sonuga, in recognition of their contributions to leadership, education, and societal development.
The honours formed part of activities marking the institution’s 23rd Convocation Ceremony and its first since its elevation from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro to a full-fledged university of technology.
Held at the Oba Lipede Pavilion on the Ilaro campus, the historic ceremony also witnessed the graduation of 8,713 students drawn from the Higher National Diploma and National Diploma programmes.
The event, themed “Digital Literacy: Fundamental Skills and Job Creation Tools for Graduands in the 21st Century,” attracted traditional rulers, government officials, academics, parents, and graduating students.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Garba Bilal Gashua, said the honorary awardees were carefully selected in recognition of their exceptional leadership qualities and sustained support for the growth of the institution.
He described Governor Abiodun as a transformational leader who had fostered peace, stability, and infrastructural development in Ogun State, while also driving reforms in governance.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, according to him, was recognised for his commitment to digital governance and economic transformation, which has repositioned public service delivery in his state.
The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo, was honoured for his consistent efforts in promoting cultural heritage and unity, while the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, was commended for his philanthropy, discipline, and leadership within traditional institutions.
Mr. Sonuga, Chief Executive Officer of Haven Homes and an alumnus of the institution, was described as an inspiration to graduating students for demonstrating that excellence, perseverance, and dedication can translate into global achievement and meaningful contributions to one’s alma mater.
Gashua also lauded the Federal Government for reforms in the tertiary education sector, particularly the removal of universities and polytechnics from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), which he said had strengthened institutional autonomy.
He disclosed that about 1,450 students of the university had benefitted from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the scheme had significantly reduced financial barriers to education for indigent students.
He further commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its continued interventions in infrastructure development and research support across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
In his remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Mukhail Aremu Akinde, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Olamilekan Adeola for their roles in facilitating the institution’s upgrade to a university of technology.
He also thanked the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, for supporting the institution’s transition process, as well as for his own reappointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Akinde pledged the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and skills development in line with the Federal
Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the university remains focused on producing highly skilled technical manpower for national industrial growth.
Delivering Governor Abiodun’s address, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, described the convocation as a defining milestone in the evolution of the institution, noting that its upgrade represents a strategic leap toward global competitiveness in science and technology education.
He said the transformation goes beyond a change of name, describing it as a deliberate repositioning of the institution for innovation, research advancement, and technological development.
Arigbabu disclosed that Ogun State had allocated N275.4 billion, representing 17 per cent of its proposed N1.7 trillion 2026 budget, to the education sector, in a bid to expand access, reduce inequality, and improve learning outcomes.
He added that the state government had prioritised digital literacy and innovation as core drivers of its education policy, citing initiatives such as the OgunLEARN platform, an artificial intelligence-driven learning system, and the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda (OGSERA), which he said had redefined education delivery in the state.
The commissioner also announced the establishment of the NCC Digital Innovation Park in Abeokuta in collaboration with the Federal Government, designed to train youths in artificial intelligence, software development, and emerging technologies.
He urged the graduating students to embrace discipline, integrity, and innovation, stressing that their education should serve as a tool for personal transformation and societal development rather than mere certification.
The convocation marks a significant milestone in the history of the institution as it begins a new chapter as a university of technology, with renewed focus on digital skills, innovation, and global relevance.
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