FUTIA Matriculates Over 1,200 Fresh Students, Announces Automatic Employment for First-Class Graduates

The Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State, has officially matriculated more than 1,200 new students for the 2025/2026 academic session, while also announcing automatic employment for graduates who attain First-Class honours.

The announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Leo Daniel, during the University’s 3rd Matriculation Ceremony held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Sports Arena of the Takeoff Campus, Ikot Abasi.

“Let me announce to all our students that the Governing Council and Management of the University have approved and reserved automatic employment for First-Class graduates upon graduation. This is designed to motivate students and encourage academic excellence and competitiveness. The ball is now in your court!” Prof. Daniel stated.

Congratulating the matriculants, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor—Nigeria’s first Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics—emphasized that admission into FUTIA represents a significant milestone and a stepping stone toward a future filled with possibilities. He added that the realization of this future depends on students’ commitment to academic rigor, discipline, and ethical conduct.

Prof. Daniel assured students of the University management’s dedication to providing high-quality academic training, leveraging the expertise of both academic and non-academic staff to equip them for future success. He further encouraged students to avoid malpractice, cultism, and other social vices, warning that any violations would attract strict disciplinary action under University regulations.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to parents, guardians, and sponsors for choosing FUTIA as the channel for their children’s tertiary education and reassured them of the institution’s commitment to holistic training in both character and academics.

Prof. Daniel also commended the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which eases the financial burden of tertiary education on families. Matriculating students were urged to enroll in the scheme promptly. Additionally, he acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, JAMB, NELFUND, and the Akwa Ibom State Government, toward the development of the University and Nigeria’s higher education sector.

The matriculants took the oath of studentship administered by the Registrar and Secretary to the Senate/Council, Mrs. Offiongita E. Nkang, before being formally admitted as students of FUTIA by the Vice-Chancellor.

Goodwill messages were received from the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of JAMB, Mrs. Grace Olima-William, who also congratulated Prof. Leo Daniel on his appointment as Chief External Examiner of JAMB in Akwa Ibom State for 2026. Messages of support were also received from the Commander of NNS Jubilee, Commodore A. A. Umar (represented by Navy Captain Gabriel Ogbodo), and The Gideon’s International Nigeria, led by Elder Emmanuel Udosen.

The event was attended by principal officers of the University, including the Bursar Dr. Mbobo Erasmus, University Librarian Prof. Philip Akor, Director of Academic Planning Prof. Isaac Ayandele, Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs Dr. Charity Maxwell, provosts of the six schools, members of the University Senate, 24 Heads of Departments/Units, directors of directorates, college secretaries, staff, student representatives, and the Face of FUTIA 2024/2025—King Daniel Umouku and Queen Victoria Nestor—alongside members of the University community, host communities, and parents.