History was made at the Federal University of Technology Akure on Friday June 7, 2024, when the pioneer students of its Open and Distance Learning Programme got the official seal of approval in a matriculation ceremony presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji.
Speaking before the Registrar, Mr. Charles Adeleye, administered the oath of Matriculation on the 38 students admitted for the Computer Science programme of the Centre after their presentation by the Director, Professor Felix Alao, the Vice Chancellor underscored the significance of the occasion saying all the participants were witnesses to an historical event which has broaden the reach of the University. “I am very glad to be part of this historic event. It is yet another giant step in the mandate of FUTA at making knowledge accessible to as many people as are eligible and willing to be part of the FUTA community,” the Vice Chancellor said.
Professor Oladiji said the program is a veritable window of opportunity for students to pursue their dreams and aspiration to attain any academic height. She assured the students of quality learning as FUTA is the best University of Technology in Nigeria, a position it has maintained for the past 2 decades. According to her, as Computer Science Students, opportunities to make impact in the society is almost limitless, “because we now live in a world ruled by Information and Communication Technology.”
Professor Oladiji advised the students to stay focused and success will in no distance time be achievable. She appealed to them to be of good moral conduct so as not to put the good image of FUTA in bad light and jeopardize their studentship.
She stated that the program though hybrid in nature, meaning physical and mostly virtual interactions, the certificate will be the same with the one awarded to regular physical students. Professor Oladiji urged the students not to be too idealistic and advised them to moderate their expectations from Management with respect to what should be provided. She appealed to them to always reach mutual understanding in demands if need ever arise.
She particularly reserved special commendation for the Director, ODLC, Professor Felix Alao, for his untiring efforts and leadership attributes. She also thanked the team at the Centre for ensuring marked progress of the programme within the short time of its commencement.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Professor Taiwo Amos, Deputy Vice Chancellor Development, Professor Sunday Oluyamo, Bursar, Mr. Julius Adeshoba represented by Mr. Peter Oshadugba, the Librarian Dr Robert Awoyemi, deans, directors and parents of the matriculating students were also present at the ceremony which took place at the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium, FUTA.
