The Federal University of Technology, Akure Alumni Association worldwide under the leadership of Engr. Adeyemi Bello held its convention on the 28th of November,2024 on the sideline of the 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies. The highpoint of the convention was the Alumni Association lecture delivered by an alumnus of FUTA and current Vice Chancellor of MCPHERSON University, Seriki Sotayo,Ogun State, Professor Francis Igbasan . In his lecture , restated the place and position of alumni association and their members in the scheme of things in the university system. Igbasan said one cannot expect government at Federal and State levels to attend to the ever-growing needs of the University, and the Alumni must be ready to contribute to the development of their tertiary institutions .
The lecture titled Alumni Challenges: Balancing Infrastructural Development, Scholarship, and the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund (NELFUND). Professor Igbasan said the history of Alumni Association in the world is as old as educational Institutions themselves and FUTA Alumni is not an exception. He said the integrity of structure is very important. He said in some other climes Academic and Administrative structures that were built centuries ago are still standing strong. He reiterated that the current generation must reflect about the future of our institutions.
He said the common problems facing all Nigerian Tertiary Institutions is deteriorating infrastructure as many Vice Chancellors have cried out for help as many infrastructures have decayed making research, learning, and living on campus difficult. He said government on its part through the intervention of TETFUND is doing its bit but it’s still like a little drop in the ocean. Professor igbasan noted that decaying infrastructure has 3 dimensions which are, Aging Infrastructure, paucity of funds and increased student enrollment.
He urged the University managements to embrace Public Private Partnership to tackle the problem. According to him , University Management must seek assistance from Alumni group. He also stated that all stakeholders must pressure government at all levels for more funding for Universities in Nigeria. The Vice Chancellors said Alumni worldwide must be encouraged and engaged on the need to support their Alma Mata, he said in some Universities, Alumni funds are assisting in the provision of Scientific breakthroughs that would ultimately redefine humanity and make the world a better place to live.
In a remark, Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Special Adviser on Education to the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Wunmi Ilawole, commended the Alumni and the management of FUTA for always living up to its name and always doing Ondo State proud. He said the reputation of any institution lies in the student past and present. He said when the reputation keeps growing then its keeps producing more successful graduates. Governor Aiyedatiwa said an efficient alumni network with external stakeholders can assist the institution in building its reputation. He also said for Alumni to be encouraged to always do more, they need to be convinced that their hard-earned money will not fall prey to corrupt practices and will be used wisely for betterment and growth.
Speaking at the ceremony the Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji, Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Development, Professor Sunday Oliyamo,congratulated the executive member of the association for a job well done and for always coming up with relevant programs that will be of benefit to staff and to students of FUTA. The Vice Chancellor urged them to be worthy ambassadors of FUTA as they begin a new sojourn into the world.