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The Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Wednesday conferred honorary scholarship 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, Sotayo Olugbenga Sonuga, in recognition. of their contribution to leadership, education and social development.
The awards were part of the activities marking the institution’s 23rd convocation ceremony and its first since its elevation from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro to a full-fledged technological university.
Held at the Oba Lipede Pavilion on the Ilaro campus, the historic ceremony also saw the awarding of diplomas of 8,713 students from the Higher National Diploma and National Diploma programmes.
The event, themed “Digital Literacy: Core Skills and Tools for Job Creation for Graduates 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 consistent support for the growth of the institution.
He described Governor Abiodun as a transformative leader who has promoted peace, stability and infrastructural development in Ogun State, while also spearheading reforms in governance.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, according to him, has been recognized 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 recognized for his sustained 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, CEO of Haven Homes and an alumnus of the institution, has been described as an inspiration to graduating students for demonstrating that excellence, perseverance and dedication can translate into overall achievement and significant contributions to one’s alma mater.
Gashua also praised 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 has strengthened institutional autonomy.
He disclosed that about 1,450 students of the university have benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), stressing that the program has significantly reduced financial barriers to education for indigent students.
He also commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its continuous interventions in infrastructure development and research support in 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 upgrade of the institution as 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 his reappointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Akinde pledged the institute’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and skill development in line with the Federal
The government’s Renewed Agenda of Hope, emphasizing 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 milestone in the evolution of the institution, stressing that its upgrade represents a strategic leap towards global competitiveness in science and technology education.
He said the transformation goes beyond the name change, describing it as a deliberate repositioning of the institution for innovation, research advancement and technological development.
Arigbabu disclosed that Ogun State has allocated $275.4 billion, representing 17% of the proposed $1.7 trillion budget for 2026, to the education sector, in a bid to expand access, reduce inequality and improve learning outcomes.
He added that the state government has prioritized digital literacy and innovation as key drivers of its education policy, citing initiatives such as the OgunLEARN platform, an AI-based learning system, and the Ogun State Education Revitalization Agenda (OGSERA), which he said has redefined educational provision in the state.
The Commissioner also announced the creation of the NCC Digital Innovation Park in Abeokuta in partnership with the Federal Government, designed to train youth in artificial intelligence, software development and emerging technologies.
He urged graduating students to embrace discipline, integrity and innovation, stressing that their education should serve as a tool for personal transformation and social development rather than simply certification.
The convocation marks a significant milestone in the institution’s history 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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