FUTA Inaugurates Senior Citizens Centre to Foster Retiree Engagement and Community Development

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), on September 6, 2024, inaugurated a Senior Citizens Centre, marking a significant step in enhancing community engagement with retirees who have served the institution. The Centre, located at the former university library, aims to provide a platform for retired staff to remain actively involved with the university while enjoying a space dedicated to their needs.

Speaking at the inauguration, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji emphasized the Centre's purpose, stating it was designed to offer fulfilling volunteering opportunities for retirees, ensuring they continue to feel valued and connected to the FUTA community. “Those who have dedicated the youthful part of their lives to serving the nation and the university should not be relegated to the background but treated with the utmost dignity,” Professor Oladiji remarked.

She further acknowledged the wealth of experience and wisdom retirees possess, highlighting their potential to contribute to the university's future development. “Even though you are no longer active in the system, we can count on your years of experience and wisdom to move the affairs of the university forward,” she said. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the Centre would serve as a hub where retirees can continue to mentor and collaborate on academic projects, reinforcing their lasting connection to FUTA.

Echoing her sentiments, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Sunday Oluyamo described the Centre as a reintegration initiative aimed at giving retirees a sense of identity and recognition for their contributions. He praised FUTA for setting the pace among Nigerian universities with such an innovative idea and promised that an even more sophisticated facility would be provided in the future.

Representing the retirees, Professor David Olufolaji expressed gratitude to the university management, describing the establishment of the Centre as a “magnanimous and laudable” gesture. He affirmed the retirees' commitment to supporting FUTA's ongoing peace and prosperity.

The Senior Citizens Centre boasts a range of facilities, including offices, a conference room, a sitting room, an executive office, a kitchen, restrooms, and recreational amenities like board games. This initiative symbolizes FUTA's dedication to fostering a supportive and engaged community for its retired staff.