…As VC Enjoins Freshers To Abide By University Rules
The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), on 17th February 2023, matriculated 3,800 new students of the institution for the 2021/2022 Academic Session.
The ceremony, which was preceded by a meeting of the Parents Management Forum (PMF), witnessed a large turnout of parents, guardians and friends of the matriculants.
In her Address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mrs. Nnenna N. Oti congratulated the freshers on their admission into the premier University of Technology in Nigeria, and enjoined them to take their studies seriously, and desist from any act that would jeopardize their academic pursuit.
She disclosed that a total of 5,052 candidates were offered provisional admission, but only 3,800 who had duly registered and fulfilled their financial obligations were being matriculated and officially inducted as members of Class of 2021/2022 of the institution.
She used the medium to highlight achievements recorded by the University under her watch, including the upgrading of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri by the Federal Government as a Teaching Hospital for the new FUTO College of Medicine, attraction of several Research Grants worth millions of naira from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund); connection of the University to the National grid, among others.
Prof. Oti thanked the Imo State Government, FUTO Alumni, the PMF, friends of the University, and other stakeholders who have been of immense support to the University. She solicited continued assistance from well-spirited individuals and corporate organizations on the University’s critical areas of need.
Earlier during the PMF meeting, the Chairman of the Forum, Chief Chidi Nkwopara said the body had remained a committed partner in progress with the University.
He commended the VC for her achievements so far, and thanked her for granting financial autonomy to the Forum and ensuring prompt release of the funds meant for the body.
Chief Nkwopara highlighted key projects recently accomplished by the PMF including the donation of an ambulance, security patrol vans, renovation of the Convocation arena, among others.
He called on members of the public and concerned parents to support the University’s perimeter fencing project to enhance security on campus.
The Chairman further urged parents and guardians to visit their children/wards on campus from time to time, saying phone calls were good but not enough.
The highpoint of the Matriculation ceremony was the Taking of Oath of Allegiance by the matriculants from the ten Schools of the University, and the College of Medicine, as was administered by the Registrar, Mr. Chiedozie Uba.