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The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) on Friday expressed shock over the sudden demise of one of its  students, Ayomide Akeredolu.

Many stakeholders of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, remain puzzled after a student of the institution, Olona Oluwapelumi, died by suicide.

Neither his family, fellow students nor the university management can yet say why he took the extreme action.

The 300-level student committed suicide at his residence in the Aule Area of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

As ‘The Punch’ reports, the deceased, who was popularly called ‘Black’, was said to be in the Department of Industrial Design at the university. He was said to have hanged himself in his room outside the campus. The reasons he took the action against himself were unknown as of the time of filing this report.

A source in the school stated that the deceased’s friends on Saturday went to his room and discovered it was locked. After several calls without response, the door was broken and he was found hanged.

Reacting to the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the death of the 300-level student and said the incident was reported to the police.

“His body has been taken to the morgue and investigation has started to unravel the reasons behind his action, but it was a case of suicide,” the PPRO stated.

The Students’ Union Government of the school in a statement, signed by its President, Jesunifemi Asoore, also confirmed the incident.

The statement partly read, “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend, Olona Oluwapelumi, popularly known as ‘Tart Angle’, who died on Saturday, January 21, 2023.

“According to reports, his death was confirmed in the early hour of Saturday.”

When contacted, the Head of Media and Protocols Unit of the institution, Mr Adegbenro Adebanjo, confirmed the incident and said, “I will get back to you officially, soon.”

The Senate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has approved a revised academic calendar for the continuation of the 2020/2021 Academic Session.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Richard Arifalo, the FUTA’s Registrar, on Thursday in Akure.
The statement said that lectures leading to the completion of the First Semester would resume on Monday, while students would be expected on campus from Sunday.

The statement added that the approval was given at a Special Meeting of the Senate held on Wednesday.
The development followed the suspension of the eighth-month long strike embarked upon by university lecturers nationwide which disrupted academic activities in universities.
It, therefore, wished all students safe trip back to the institution’s campus.

The Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) on Tuesday, inaugurated the institution’s first female Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji.
Oladiji of the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin was on May 12 ratified as the eighth substantive vice chancellor by the university’s Governing Council.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Godknows Igali, the Pro-Chancellor of the institution, said that Oladiji was a studious reseacher that had a convicing academic prowess meant for the position.
Igali said that Oladiji’s emergence was democratic and transparent.
He added that Oladiji emerged among the three best applicants for the position before she was considered for the coveted position.

According to him, her appointment is very well deserved, as the selection committee was dazzled with her outstanding stance.
He asked the new vice chancellor to maintain the existing peace in the university and treat all as one family, irrespective of individual differences.

The pro-chancellor urged the vice chancellor to prioritize the welfare of staff and students and also improve on income generation for the citadel of knowledge.
Igali assured the vice chancellor of the governing council support.

ALSO READ: From UNILORIN with love, Oladiji is FUTA’s first female VC

In her speech, Oladiji said she would ensure that gains of FUTA were sustained and improved upon.
She thanked the university’s governing council for free and fair processes that led to her appointment and the confidence reposed on her.

The vice chancellor promised not to let them down, with assurances to be friend to all and serve humanity.
According to her, I will network with others to bring much change to the university.
Oladiji said that she would improve on revenue generation to the university and on welfare of staff and students of the institution.

She, therefore, asked for support of her co-applicants and generality of the university community for her to succeed in the new task.
“The Federal University of Technology, Akure is doing well, but there is always room for improvement.
“As a university of technology, we must be prepared to deal with emerging questions to be answered. The COVID-19 experience showed there is a lot of ground yet uncovered.

“Addressing most of the big issues facing humanity captured succinctly in the sustainable development goals requires that we network across country borders and academic disciplines.
“No single institution, country or discipline can exclusively provide solutions.
“We will network and be the hub for the much-desired change in the higher education sector.

“I will focus on improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), staff and student’s welfare, capacity building, research, infrastructural development, positive impacts on host communities, amongst others,” she stated.
Earlier, Prof. Joseph Fuwape, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the university, said that all his agenda for the institution when he became FUTA’s VC were all accomplished.

Fuwape added that FUTA was ranked as the best University of Technology in Nigeria and the second best university in Nigeria .
He asked the university community to extend hands of fellowship to the new vice chancellor for the institution to record higher success.

There is something striking about the profile of the Vice Chancellor-designate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Professor Adenike Oladiji.

Apart from being the first female VC of the institution, she was thoroughly bred in Ilorin: Her first, second and third degreess were obtained there.

News broke on Thursday that the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology Akure(FUTA) has appointed Prof. Adenike Oladiji of the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin as its eight substantive vice chancellor.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Richard Arifalo, the Registrar of FUTA and Secretary to the Council, on Thursday in Akure.

This, again, is good news for many stakeholders as there is no question of the kind of ‘son of the soil’ rancour that bedevilled similar processes elsewhere in recent times.

Arifalo stated that the council presided over by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Dr Godknows Igali, ratified the appointment at its special meeting on Thursday.

He explained that the council had shortlisted 20 candidates out of the 27 male and one female candidates that applied for the position for interview at the close of application for the post.

The registar added that 19 candidates were interviewed with one of the shortlisted candidates failing to show up.

According to him, at the end of the interview, the Joint Council and Senate Selection Board of the institution recommended three candidates for appointment in line with extant regulations governing the process.

The registrar explained that the council members had to vote to pick the new vice chancellor.

“Because of the closeness of the score of the three recommended candidates, a difference of 0.1 per cent, the Council decided to put it to vote and Prof. Oladiji came out tops, hence her appointment.

‘Under extant laws, appointment of Vice Chancellors of Universities is domiciled with the Governing Council of Universites which, on the advice of an internal selection committee, has the power to choose from any of the three best candidates submitted to it.

“According to a letter of appointment personally signed by Dr Igali, Prof. Oladiji’s appointment which takes effect from Tuesday, May 24, 2022 is for a single term of five years,” he stated.

Born on April 27, 1968, Oladiji attended Christ Anglican School, Ijomu-Oro, Iludun Oro Primary School, Kwara from 1972 to 1977 and St. Claire’s Anglican Grammar School, Offa, Kwara from 1977 to 1982.

She holds a B.Sc Biochemistry, Second Class Upper Division Degree from the University of Ilorin, 1988, MSc. Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, 1991 and Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin, 1997.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new FUTA VC joined the services of the University of Ilorin in July 1992 as Assistant Lecturer and was appointed a Professor in September 2011.

Oladiji is happily married and blessed with children.

Oladiji succeeds Prof. Joseph Fuwape, whose term ends on Monday, May 23, 2022.

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank (AfDB), has described the death of Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), as a great loss to the academia.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Daramola died on March 25 at the age of 64.

Adesina stated this in a tribute in Akure on Monday and made available to NAN by Mr Adebayo Adegbenro, the Deputy Director of Information and Protocol of FUTA.

The AfDB President said that late Daramola was a brilliant academic who contributed significantly to the development of FUTA.

Adesina in a tribute entitled: “Professor ‘Biyi Daramola: A classmate, friend, and twin brother”, said even in the face of a very challenging health situation, Daramola never lost his voice, positive attitude, concern about Nigeria, and how to make it better.

“You were courageous. You were full of faith. You never lost an opportunity to even remember our birthdays; selflessly, always thinking of others.

“Your brilliant mind was as sharp as ever. There was never any subject or issue you could not engage in and discuss.

“Your brilliance was clear to all ever since we were together at Ibadan Polytechnic, and also together as classmates at the University of Ife(now Obafemi Awolowo University).

“You were our pride when you got elected as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA),” the AfDB president said.

He explained that the late vice chancellor contributed greatly to make FUTA what it is today, with his usual honesty, penchant for professionalism, uncompromising integrity, doggedness, vision, passion, and drive for excellence.

Adesina added that he was at a complete loss of what to say to the deceased wife, and children, who helped and prayed when the former vice chancellor was weathering the storm.

“I will reserve my main tribute until your funeral date.

“For now, as I am in the midst of our classmates and college mates, I want to say that my heart bleeds.

” It is like a mirage. We have lost a wonderful friend and colleague.

“I lost a wonderful and cherished classmate, friend, and a very dear twin brother,” he stated.

Adesina also described late Daramola as an inspiration of note.

“So long, Biyi. Your life and how you lived with impeccable integrity, and Godly faith, will always remain an inspiration.

“You left a legacy of truth, godliness, kindness, generosity and care for all your friends.
ALSO READ:160 students bag first class at FUTA
“I love you, Say B, but God loves you most.

“Sleep well, my very dear classmate, friend and twin brother, Say B. With much love,” Adesina wrote in the tribute.

The death is shocking and painful, not just because of its suddenness but also because by the death, FUTA has lost one of the builders of and contributors to the growth and development of our institution.

“And Nigeria has lost an erudite scholar of international standing.

The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has mourned the former Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, who died at 64.

A statement by the Registrar of the university, Mr Richard Arifalo, on Sunday in Akure, said Daramola died from an undisclosed illness.

“The Federal University of Technology, Akure has received the news of the demise of its immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, with shock and sadness.

“Daramola, who served as FUTA’s sixth substantive Vice Chancellor between May 2012 and May 2017, died on March 25, in the course of an illness.

“The death is shocking and painful, not just because of its suddenness but also because by the death, FUTA has lost one of the builders of and contributors to the growth and development of our institution.

“And Nigeria has lost an erudite scholar of international standing,’’ Arifalo stated.

He said that the late Daramola served FUTA creditably in various capacities during his tenure as vice chancellor.

He said that Daramola attended University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) for Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc. 1980).

“He proceeded to the University of Ibadan for Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Agricultural Economics (M.Sc., 1982 and PhD, 1987).

“He started his career in FUTA in 1986 serving in various positions thereafter, he was appointed Professor of Agricultural Economics on October 1, 1999,” he said.

The registrar said that deceased consolidated on the gains of his predecessors and charted new frontiers of development, particularly in rebranding, internationalisation and renewal of critical infrastructure.

He noted that the deceased succeeded in taking FUTA to the “market place” as he canvassed in his agenda for development of the university, prior to and after taking office as vice chancellor.

He said late Daramola undertook many engagements for national and international organisations, and served as chairman, Committee of Vice Chancellors and Association of Vice Chancellor of Nigerian Universities.

“The two positions he held concurrently between 2015 and 2017.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with members of his family at this very difficult time,” he added.

Arifalo urged the family of the deceased to take solace in the rich and laudable legacies of sterling services to the academic world and humanity that the departed erudite professor left behind.

He prayed that God would give the family and the entire university community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss

Mitchell Egeonu, a 400 level Geology student at the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure on Monday won the gold medal in high jump at the ongoing Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), holding in Lagos.

Egeonu broke the 1.9 meters NUGA record in high jump by jumping 2.00meters.

“I would have jumped 2.05meters but had an injury on my leg,” an excited Egeonu told the News Agency of Nigeria.

“I am feeling really excited and happy winning the gold medal.

“This is not my first appearance. I have jumped in AFN but did not win. But this is my first time in NUGA.

“This is just the beginning of many more to come for me,” he said.

Also, Justin Jimoh Justin of Ben Idahosa University (BIU), who won the silver medal, told NAN he was satisfied with his position.

Jimoh said it was his first appearance in the NUGA games and would boost his carrier.

He noted that aside the high jump sport, he also plays basketball.

Honourable Clement, a 400 Level student of Library and Information Science of BIU, won the bronze medal.

Clement said he would strive to improve in his training.

He noted that the experience was a great one which would help him work on his weakness.

Meanwhile, Joshua Micheal, Sports Director, FUTA, who spoke with NAN after his athlete won gold in long jump, said that the victory was as a result of hard work and consistent training.

He noted that the coach had been persistent in training the athletes.

He added that he had no doubt that the athletes would do better in future competitions.

“ My boys just came first in the long jump after jumping 1.95 meters.

“I am super happy that the gold medal is ours, because one gold is better than a thousand sliver.

“I feel great because the hard work of the coach yielded good fruits,” he said.

Prof. Joseph Kayode of Mathematics Department, the Federal University of Technology, Akure ( FUTA), has described Mathematics as a way of life.

He said people, especially learners, should regard it so to thrash the myth that it was a difficult subject.

This is as he advocated the use of Nigerian languages to teach mathematics with local examples to further demystify the subject for learners.

Kayode enumerated different strategies that could be used to enhance the study of mathematics among students at all levels of the country’s education system.

He gave the advice while delivering the 141th inaugural lecture of the university with the title “Numeric: Bedrock of Human Endeavours” on Wednesday, in Akure.

The don said considering the importance of Mathematics to the study of any course and practice of any profession, it was expedient to put structures in place that would enable learners to easily assimilate mathematical concepts.

Kayode said efforts must be made by handlers of Mathematics from primary to tertiary levels of education to remove the induced phobia towards mathematics by making the subject friendly to learners.

He added that teachers must bring the contents of the subject to the level of the learners by majorly using local materials, relating examples to the day-to-day life experiences of teachers and learners.

The don also proposed that mathematics should be taught in local languages and dialects.

According to him,the proposal should be introduced in the curriculum for teaching Mathematics to pupils at the primary level for a better understanding of basic concepts upon which mathematics is built and developed.

He said this would be supported by the production of textbooks in local languages at the developmental stage of the learners.

“This will make early learners to easily internalize the subject and have little or no phobia for it.

” And, to discourage the importation of foreign teaching and laboratory materials, the government should also provide opportunities for local manufacturing of teaching materials and establishment of Mathematics laboratories in schools,” he said.

The don urged governments at all levels as well as private individuals to make concerted and focused efforts at improving funding of mathematical projects and research at all levels of mathematics education in the country.

Kayode urged schools to ensure employment of only qualified and competent Mathematics teachers to teach mathematics at all levels of education.

He stressed the need for regular training, retraining and remedial programmes for mathematics teachers to enhance their competence and relevance in modern pedagogy and handling of state-of-the-art teaching facilities.

The don, however, noted that to be able to attract and retain qualified, competent and experienced mathematics teachers, there was need to provide robust and attractive remuneration packages in form of allowances and incentives.

The lecturer said that everyone, in particular and the society in general, should be made to see Mathematics as a way of life and the language of living.

According to him, a massive public enlightenment campaign should be made through all media platforms to allay the fears students and parents’ exhibit towards mathematics.

In his words, the Chairman of the event, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Joseph Fuwape, said the lecture was cerebral and lauded its adept delivery.

Fuwape described Kayode as an erudite scholar who had demonstrated academic leadership in the university community and had contributed immensely to the development of body of knowledge in his area of his specialization.

One hundred and sixty students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) will be graduating with First Class as the institution holds its 32nd convocation between Nov. 26 and Nov. 27.

Prof. Joseph Fuwape, FUTA Vice Chancellor, disclosed this on Friday in Akure at a news briefing heralding the convocation and the 40th anniversary of the university.

Fuwape, represented by the institution’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Phillip Oguntunde, said that out of 5,114 graduands, 3,205 are in the undergraduates’ category while 1,909 are in the post-graduate category.

He said that 1,334 students have Second Class Honours (Upper Division), 1,483 students have Second Class Honours (Lower Division) while 222 and six students are graduating with Third Class and Pass, respectively.

The vice chancellor noted that Miss Taiwo Oluyale of the Department of Building is the best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.89.

According to him, the institution which started in 1981 with 149 students and three schools now has 25,000 students, nine schools, a school of postgraduate studies and 55 departments.

Fuwape noted that FUTA had fully commenced its medical programme with the commencement of lecture by the pioneering students of the College of Health Sciences on Oct. 24.

He explained that the institution had duly justified the reasons for its establishment, saying that it had contributed to human capital development in the country and beyond.

The vice chancellor stated that the institution would bestow honorary doctorates on three Nigerians on Saturday for their outstanding contributions to the society.

“I am pleased to inform you that the university will confer honorary doctorate degree on Chief Adebimpe Aladejana-Ogunleye of the Obajimo Osupa Dynasty of Akure Kingdom. He is to be honoured with a Doctor of Science degree.

“Dr Haroun Adamu to be honoured with Doctor of Management Science and Dr Ephraim Fagba Faloughi will be honoured with Doctor of Management Science,” he said.

Fuwape said that three eminent three scholars would be honoured with the position of Professor Emeritus in recognition of their contributions to the academia.

“For the first time in the history of the university, three eminent scholars will be recognised as professors emeritus.

“They are Prof. Ekundayo Adeyemi, former Acting Vice Chancellor of FUTA; Prof. Olugboyega Ademosun, former Deputy Vice Chancellor and Prof. Oluwole Falaki, Pioneer Prof. of Computer Science in the university,” he stated.

Fuwape said that the convocation and the 40th anniversary lecture entitled “Innovation, Technology and Prospects of Prosperity for Posterity in Nigeria” will be delivered by Prof. Pat Utomi of the Lagos Business School.

He noted that FUTA had become the country’s most research-intensive university and had contributed excellently to the education sector in the country.