The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has warned that it reserves the right to withdraw certificates from any alumnus found guilty of misconduct.

The warning was issued by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adenike Oladiji on Friday during the university’s 36th Convocation and First Degree Awards ceremony, which saw 2,747 students graduate.

Oladiji encouraged the graduates to turn current economic challenges into opportunities for creativity and innovation, emphasizing that character would define their future success.

“No one can rise beyond the limits of their character. It will determine how far you go in life,” she said. “Remember, the university reserves the right to withdraw your certificate if you misrepresent it in any way. We expect you to become alumni who make us proud.”

She urged graduates to uphold FUTA’s values, stressing, “Skills can take you to the top, but character is what will help you stay there.”

Highlighting the university’s achievements, Oladiji noted that FUTA has received numerous accolades both locally and internationally, thanks to its accomplished alumni. She also provided a breakdown of the graduating students for the 2024/2025 session:

240 First Class

1,479 Second Class (Upper Division)

912 Second Class (Lower Division)

116 Third Class

The overall best graduating student was Aduragbemi Akindunbi from the Department of Civil Engineering, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.98.

Speaking at the ceremony, FUTA Pro-Chancellor Prof. Nora Daduut praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a program aimed at enhancing national growth and the country’s international standing.

She highlighted the accomplishments of the university’s governing council, noting its positive relationships with staff and students. Staff welfare, ongoing training, and capacity building were identified as key priorities to boost productivity.

Daduut also revealed that over 3,000 students have benefited from the student loan scheme introduced under Tinubu’s initiative, aimed at improving access to tertiary education.

Despite funding challenges, she noted that FUTA recorded significant progress in the 2024/2025 academic session and urged graduates to become agents of positive societal change.