BEING AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE VICE CHANCELLOR, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY IKOT ABASI (FUTIA), AKWA IBOM STATE, PROFESSOR LEO DANIEL DURING THE 3RD MATRICULATION CEREMONY OF STUDENTS ADMITTED FOR THE 2025/2026 ACADEMIC SESSION HELD ON THURSDAY, 15TH JANUARY, 2026 AT THE SPORTS ARENA, TAKE-OFF CAMPUS OF THE UNIVERSITY, IKOT ABASI
PROTOCOL!
1. On behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate and staff of the University, I am most delighted to formally welcome you all to the Takeoff Campus of the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi for the purpose of the 3rd Matriculation Ceremony of our students admitted in 2025/2026 Academic Session.
2. To the Matriculating students, let me on behalf of Management, particularly congratulate every one of you on your admission into this great citadel of learning – The Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA). It is worthy to emphasize that your admission into this Institution is a major milestone in your preparation for the future of many possibilities for you, your parents, families, communities and the nation. But this will, however, be dependent on your level of commitment to your studies, research, innovations, academic excellence, sportsmanship and other extracurricular activities.
3. As you may have known, FUTIA is one of the specialized institutions established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to champion academic excellence in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Innovation and Research. We are committed to giving you the best training to help you become useful members of the society upon your graduation. We have well trained lecturers and uncompromisingly high academic standards that will enable you come out tops in your respective fields; and I want to add that you are privileged to be among the 3rd batch of students admitted into the university, following the pioneer set admitted in the 2023/2024 academic session.
4. As we gather to perform this academic ceremony, take note that the Governing Council and Management of the university have zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, cyber-crimes and other social vices. Any student found wanting in this regard will face appropriate disciplinary measures, including outright rustication from the University where applicable.
5. Historically, this University was established in June 2021 and infrastructural development are ongoing both at the Permanent and this Take-off Campuses as you can see even from the entrance gate. We are barely THREE YEARS old as a Federal University located in our region, hence the need for the Akwa Ibom state government, intervention agencies, Federal Ministry of Regional Development, stakeholders and all of us to make counterpart contributions and investments towards the growth of this Institution. Though it is the characteristic of any new institution, especially one started from scratch, the Management of the University under my leadership is still concerned about the current state of this Takeoff Campus, where infrastructural challenges are staring us glaringly in the face. As you must have observed, massive infrastructural development are ongoing simultaneously here in the Takeoff Campus and at the Permanent Campus. We are working assiduously to provide you with necessary infrastructures needed for your smooth learning and research.
We therefore appeal that you make do with the existing class rooms, Hostel accommodations, Library, Practical Studios, Sports Arena and other facilities at your disposal on campus, as we are working assiduously to improve on them. With all sense of modesty, it is worthy to also note that in only three years of our existence, the pioneer management team and the University as a whole has recorded some monumental achievements in the areas of academic excellence, pedagogy, research and contributions to host communities, region and the nation. As we grow, we will consolidate on this milestone given the support of critical stakeholders.
6. To the parents, guardians and sponsors of our students who are witnessing this ceremony today, as well those watching us through the virtual space, I am most delighted to express the appreciation of the Governing Council, Management and the entire university community to you and your families for investing in the education of your children and wards. By this matriculation today, we are delighted to note that you supported their choice of the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA) over others. As a University, we assure you of the best training to them in character and learning.
7. To the Governing Council, my Management Team, Staff (Teaching and Non-Teaching), as well as other members of the University Community, we commend your commitment to the promotion of academic excellence, best administrative services and teamwork geared towards the overall achievement of our goals.
8. To the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), we appreciate you for successfully conducting the pre-examinations, and for finding the students worthy for admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria including the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi.
9. Once again, I congratulate all the newly admitted students on their successful matriculation, even as I charge them again to be of good conduct, commit to their studies, while keeping the oaths of studentship they have sworn on this occasion.
10. Just before I end my address, let me announce to all our students that the administration of President Tinubu has offered Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to reduce financial stress on students and families, therefore kindly enroll immediately. Additionally, the Governing Council and Management of the University has approved and reserved automatic employments to FIRST CLASS students of the University at graduation as additional motivation to boast academic excellence and competitiveness. Therefore, the ball is in your courts!
11. Once again congratulations and welcome to FUTIA, where INNOVATION DRIVES TRANSFORMATION propelled by Artificial Intelligence (AI)
