The new Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Professor Joseph Adeola Fuwape has unfolded a seven-point agenda that he said will further take the Institution to greater heights.
He made this known at his inauguration ceremony presided over by the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institution ,Senator Joseph Waku on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.
Delivering his maiden address, Fuwape said “we have the collective responsibility to take the University to the next level of becoming a world class University and Centre of Excellence. In order to achieve this laudable goal, we will leverage on past achievements to implement seven major goals viz: improvement of quality of academic programme; development of human resources; re-branding of FUTA as Centre of Excellence in Research, Innovation and Product Development; deployment of ICT in learning and research; enhancement of staff and students welfare; internalization and globalization and improvement of capital base”.
Speaking on the quality of academic programmes which is the core mandate of any University, Prof. Fuwape said need-driven, robust and relevant academic programmes are not only central to, but are the pillars upon which the name and reputation of a University depends.
On how to further improve the quality of the academic programmes, he said “Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are famous because of their high quality academic programmes and staff. Therefore, we will work to restructure the academic curricula in the different departments to be 21st century compliant”.
Professor Fuwape solicited the support of all stakeholders to achieve peaceful consistence that will lead to uninterrupted academic sessions. “The University of our vision can only be attained in an environment where there is peace and industrial harmony. I declare that I belong to every Union on this campus, including the Students’ Union”.
He commended the credibility and impartiality of the selection team led by Senator Waku, and extended the olive branch to those who competed with him in the race. “I salute the doggedness of my colleagues and co-competitors for this position and for demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship,” he added.
Earlier in a valedictory address, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola appreciated the effort of all stakeholders in the University for making his tenure conducive. He said “the achievements his administration recorded would not have been possible without the support of men and women of goodwill. It can only be told in modest term that during the period of my stewardship, FUTA through the grace of God was able to take a giant leap by recording resounding success in all facets of academic, human and infrastructural development.”
Speaking about his successor, Daramola said, “I am happy because I know you will bring your wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on your new position, especially having meritoriously served as Vice-Chancellor of a private University.”
In a brief remark, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Senator J.K.N. Waku commended the tremendous development the Daramola–led administration brought to the University and urged the newly inaugurated Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fuwape to build on those achievements.
He said FUTA is blessed with brilliant academics who are agents of transformation.Waku counseled the Unions in the University to cooperate with the new Vice-Chancellor to have peace on campus.
“I want to appeal to the Unions that this University belongs to you. Do not take things for granted. Do not take laws into your hands. Direct your grievances to constituted authority so that they can be resolved amicably” he added