FUTA Promotes 36 New Professors, Charges Them to Deepen Research and Sustain Academic Excellence
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has announced the promotion and formal recognition of 36 academic staff as Professors, in a ceremony aimed at celebrating scholarly excellence, research output, and sustained contributions to knowledge and national development.
Philip22
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has announced the promotion and formal recognition of 36 academic staff as Professors, in a ceremony aimed at celebrating scholarly excellence, research output, and sustained contributions to knowledge and national development.
Speaking at the special ceremony held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, charged the newly elevated professors to broaden their intellectual scope, strengthen research engagement, and uphold the dignity and responsibility that come with the professorial rank.
She described the rank of Professor as the highest academic attainment in the university system, stressing that it comes with heightened responsibility to contribute meaningfully to teaching, research, institutional governance, and societal development.
According to her, national progress is closely tied to the quality of its academic ecosystem, noting that professors occupy a strategic position as knowledge producers and policy influencers.
She urged the new professors not to restrict themselves to narrow disciplinary boundaries, but to actively engage in interdisciplinary thinking and contribute to broader societal and policy conversations.
Professor Oladiji further emphasized the role of academics in leadership and mentorship, stating that professors are expected to guide younger scholars, shape institutional direction, and provide intellectual solutions to national challenges.
The Registrar of the university, Mr. Charles Adeleye, described the elevation as the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and academic commitment. He noted that the professorial ceremony has become an institutional tradition designed to recognize excellence and inspire younger academics to pursue higher academic achievement.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted professors, Professor Bukola Adetola expressed appreciation to the university management, colleagues, and families for the recognition. She described the honour as both a reward for years of hard work and a renewed call to greater service in research, mentorship, and institutional development.
She assured the university that the newly promoted professors remain committed to advancing FUTA’s academic standing and contributing to national and global knowledge production.
The newly promoted professors cut across multiple faculties and departments, reflecting the university’s multidisciplinary strength. They include:
- Olufunmilayo Bosede Akinwalere
- Gladys Abiemwense Ibhaze
- Sadiat Funmilayo Arifalo
- Olaniran Anthony Thompson
- Adebayo Jonathan Adeyemo
- Solomon Alaba Adejoro
- Bukola Omotomilola Adetola
- Oluyinka Sunday Odewumi
- Atilola Olateju Abidemi-Iromini
- Temitope Gabriel Adedeji
- Sikirullai Olatunde Jeje
- Mohammed Olatoye Adepoju
- Adetayo Femi Folorunso
- Sunday Olukayode Oladejo
- Olaniyi Alake
- Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke
- Olusola Olalekan Popoola
- Ochuko Mary Ojo
- Oluyemi Ojo Daramola
- Musa Adebayo Idris
- Gafar Omotayo Oniyide
- Olanrewaju Clement Alaba
- Olusola Olalekan Elekofehinti
- Ayokunle Olubode Ademosun
- Kayode Lawrence Akinwande
- Okunola Adenrele Alabi
- Kayode David Ileke
- Roseline Jumoke Kolawole
- Tajudeen Egbetunde
- Muftau Adesina Abayomi
- Musiliu Adeolu Adewole
- Olufunso Dayo Alowolodu
- Orimisan Emmanuel Abata
- Olugbenga Oludayo Oluwasina
- Cecilia Funmilayo Daramola
- Sunday Babatunde Ibikunle
The university reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening academic excellence, research output, and innovation-driven scholarship as part of its long-term development strategy.
