The First Technical University, Ibadan, has matriculated 216 students for the 2022/23 session. It is the sixth matriculation of the institution that prides itself as building the brain and training the hand, based on its versatile curriculum.
At the event held on Thursday, February 16, 2023, on the institution’s main campus on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Tech-U also presented certificates to 104 new Tech-U Scholars. These are high-flying students with at least 4.5 GGPA, who have now joined the existing ones. The university pays the scholars N10,000 monthly allowance to further inspire them.
Speaking at the event attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Iyiola Tella; the Registrar, Mrs Olayinka Balogun; the Bursar, Pastor Kehinde Olatokun; and many parents, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesola Ajayi, expressed delight that academic programmes had smoothly progressed at the university – without any break in calendar since it began operation in 2018.
Ajayi said, “This is despite several national and global phenomena like COVID-19 and an industrial strike that disrupted the programmes of many other academic institutions. I am thus exceedingly happy that the great promise that the First Technical University, Ibadan, represents in the educational revolution of Oyo State and Nigeria in general has continued to seamlessly and progressively unfold.”
The VC commended stakeholders who have continued to contribute to the growth and successes of Tech-U. These include the Oyo State Governor and Visitor to the First Technical University, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde and all the Local Government Chairmen who have continued to annually offer scholarship to many students who are indigenes of Oyo State. He thanked the Chancellor, Chief Tunde Afolabi, who has also consistently offered scholarship to a good number of the students and who also deploys his goodwill to the growth of the institution, through the Josephus Foundation that he founded and funds.
The Vice Chancellor noted that the matriculation ceremony was a rite of passage that conferred certain rights and privileges as the matriculants were admitted to life membership of the Technical University.
He added, “The Tech-U dream captures the reality of what our country is facing today, in terms of the necessity of the shift from employment dependency to employment creation. Tech-U’s philosophy is indeed grounded in entrepreneurial practices, innovations and sustainability, bridging the skill gap between competences of university graduates and industry requirements through a blend of theory, practical and hands-on experiences.
“Already, there are success stories including the acclaimed performances of our graduates who have been doing well wherever they are working or serving as National Youths Service Corps members. The same applies to many of those who have yet to graduate but have been asserting themselves in entrepreneurial projects and in business organisations where they are having industrial training. Tech-U is highly favourably ranked among universities – nationally and internationally – just as it has continued to experience infrastructural expansion.”
Professor Ajayi urged the new students to stay focused to make the best use of the opportunity they have.
“At Tech-U, there is reward for excellent performance even while you are still a student,” he said. “There is, for instance, the Tech-U Scholars Scheme, which offers monthly financial support of N10,000 to students who obtain and maintain a CGPA of 4.5 and above. You too can become a beneficiary if you work hard enough. We also identify and nominate those among you into relevant University Committees and provide them leadership mentorship and opportunities.
“I must stress that this university is also not about academic development alone. We place emphasis on morality, attitude and character too. By the time you shall be graduating, we want to be sure that you are found worthy in learning and character because certificate alone, without the right attitude and behaviour, is grossly deficient. By now, you must be familiar with Tech-U’s codes of conduct. Ensure you familiarise yourselves with all the rules and obey them to the letter.
“This university has zero tolerance for examination malpractice, stealing, violence, rape, drug abuse, cultism, sexual perversion, fraud or any other vices. Whoever is caught engaging in any of such, whether on campus or in the hostel, will surely face disciplinary action. If found culpable, and depending on the gravity of the offence, dismissal or even legal prosecution is not ruled out.”
Also at the programme were the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Professor Charles Akanbi; the Dean, Natural and Applied Sciences, Professor (Mrs) Abiodun Salami; and the Dean, Environmental Sciences and Management, Professor Steven Ojo. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Mr Taiwo Adisa, was also present.
