The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has called on Nigerians to place their trust in the administration of President Tinubu, particularly in its economic policies, which he believes will drive positive change for the nation.
Oba Aladetoyinbo made this statement during the 33rd Convocation and 42nd Founders’ Day celebration at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, held on Saturday at the Dr. Suleiman Kumo Convocation Square on the university’s main campus in Gidan Kwano.
The Monarch, who also serves as the Chancellor of the institution, commended President Tinubu for his dedication to education and national development. “Your administration’s bold economic reforms, aimed at fostering stability and progress, inspire hope for a brighter future,” he said. He encouraged Nigerians to remain patient and work alongside the President’s policies, believing that they will ultimately bring about positive outcomes for the country and its people.
Oba Aladetoyinbo also urged President Tinubu to continue pursuing the “Renewed Hope” agenda with determination, ensuring that he lives up to the trust placed in him by the Nigerian people, to build a more prosperous and resilient Nigeria.
The Monarch also praised the leadership of Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTMinna, for his outstanding efforts to improve staff welfare, promote e-learning, and uphold academic excellence. Under his leadership, the institution has earned the 8th position in the latest Times Higher Education 2025 ranking of Nigerian universities.
However, Oba Aladetoyinbo, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeyeye Michael, acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education sector. While the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which includes student loans and reduced funding for interventions, aims to enhance efficiency, he stressed that these changes require creative solutions from all stakeholders. The Monarch also called on the government to reconsider its plan to phase out agencies like TETFund, which play a critical role in the development of the country’s educational institutions.
The convocation ceremony saw a total of 5,816 graduating students, including 4,955 undergraduates, 632 master’s degree recipients, 105 postgraduate diplomas, and 124 PhD graduates. Among them, 119 undergraduates received First Class Honors.
Additionally, the institution conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees on Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, CON, Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, Executive Governor of Niger State, and Farmer Governor Umar Mohammed Bago.
Oba Aladetoyinbo was accompanied to the event by the Owa of Ogbagi Akoko, Oba Victor Adetona, Chief Akin Adinlewa, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade (Rtd.), Prince Kole Aladetoyinbo, Mr. Adeyeye Michael, Chief Taiwo Fagite, Hon. Adeniyan Adedayo, Hon. Jayeoba Oluwatuyi, and others.
Signed:
Adeyeye Michael
Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure Kingdom
February 2, 2025
