… FIRST CLASS GRADUATES TO GET AUTOMATIC EMPLOYMENT
The Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State has matriculated over One Thousand Two Hundred (1,200) fresh students for the 2025/2026 academic sessions as well as announced automatic employment for first class graduates from the institution upon graduation.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Leo Daniel made the announcement during the 3rd Matriculation Ceremony of the University on Thursday, January 15, 2026 held at the Sports Arena of the University’s Takeoff Campus, Ikot Abasi.
His words: “Let me announce to all our students that the Governing Council and Management of the University has approved and reserved automatic employments to first class students of the University upon graduation as additional motivation to boast academic excellence and competitiveness. Therefore, the ball is in your courts!”
While congratulating the matriculating students, Prof. Daniel, himself – the first Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics in Nigeria stressed that being admitted into the institution was a major success-step in their preparation for a future that he said is open to many possibilities. He added that the reality of the said future is, however, dependent on the students’ commitment to their academic activities and good conduct.
The University Don assured the students of commitment on the part of the University management to providing them with the best of academic training that will help equip them for that future they desire and hope for; relying on the intellectual prowess and capacity of the academic and non academic staff of the institution.
The FUTIA VC further appreciated parents, guardians and sponsors of the matriculated students for “choosing FUTIA as a channel of investment for their children’s tertiary education”, while also reassuring them of the best academic and character training for their children.
The students were further advised to avoid all forms of malpractices, cultism and misconducts, as any student caught in any form of crime or social vices shall face full disciplinary measures inline with applicable laws of the Institution.
The Pioneer Vice Chancellor used the occasion to appreciate the commitment of the Management Team, Staff (Teaching and Non-Teaching), other members of the University Community for their commitment to the promotion of academic excellence, best administrative services and teamwork geared towards the overall achievement of the University’s goals.
He equally commended the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu for the launch and implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan (NELFUND) which has taken financial burden of funding tertiary education from parents and families tasking the Matriculating students to immediately enroll in NELFUND scheme. The FUTIA VC equally acknowledged the roles of other critical stakeholders of the Institution including the Federal Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akwa Ibom State Government, among others for their contributions to the development of the University and the education sector.
The oath of studentship was later administered on the Matriculants by the Registrar and Secretary to the Senate/Council of the University, Mrs Offiongita E. Nkang while the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Leo Daniel formally admitted them as students of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi.
Goodwill messages was received from the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mrs Grace Olima-William who equally congratulated the FUTIA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Leo Daniel on his well deserved appointment as the Chief External Examiner of JAMB in Akwa Ibom State for year 2026. Goodwill messages were also received from the Commander of NNS Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, Commodore A. A. Umar represented by Navy Captain Gabriel Ogbodo and The Gideon’s International Nigeria led by Elder Emmanuel Udosen.
The event was attended by
other Principal Officers of the University including the Bursar, Dr Mbobo Erasmus, University Librarian, Prof. Philip Akor. Also in attendance were the Director of Academic Planning, Prof. Isaac Ayandele, Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Charity Maxwell, Provosts of the Six Schools, members of the University Senate, Twenty Four Heads of Departments/Units, Directors of Directorates, College Secretaries, members of staff, Students Representatives’ Committee, Face of FUTIA for 2024/2025 – Mr FUTIA, King Daniel Umouku and Miss FUTIA Queen Victoria Nestor, members of the University Community, host Communities and parents among others.
