FUTIA Vice-Chancellor Warns Against Social Vices, Announces Automatic Employment for First-Class Graduates at 3rd Matriculation

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State, Professor Leo Daniel, has reiterated the University’s zero-tolerance policy for examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, indecent dressing, and other social vices, warning that offenders will face strict disciplinary actions, including possible rustication.

Professor Daniel made this known on Thursday, January 15, 2026, while delivering his address at the 3rd Matriculation Ceremony for students admitted into the 2025/2026 academic session. The ceremony was held at the Sports Arena of the Take-Off Campus, Ikot Abasi.

Welcoming students, parents, guardians, and stakeholders on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, and staff, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the newly admitted students, describing their admission as a major milestone with long-term implications for their personal development, families, and the nation. He stressed that the benefits of the opportunity would depend largely on the students’ commitment to academics, research, innovation, discipline, and responsible conduct.

He noted that FUTIA is a specialized Federal Government institution established to drive excellence in science, technology, engineering, innovation, and research, adding that the University maintains high academic standards supported by well-trained lecturers. Professor Daniel reminded the students that they are the third batch since the institution admitted its pioneer students in the 2023/2024 academic session.

Highlighting the University’s growth trajectory, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that FUTIA was established in June 2021 and is barely three years old. He acknowledged existing infrastructural challenges, particularly at the Take-Off Campus, but emphasized that massive infrastructural developments are ongoing simultaneously at both the Take-Off and Permanent Campuses. He appealed to students to be patient and make responsible use of available facilities, assuring them that Management is working assiduously to improve learning, research, accommodation, and recreational infrastructure.

Professor Daniel also called for sustained support from the Akwa Ibom State Government, federal intervention agencies, the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, and other stakeholders to accelerate the institution’s growth. He stated that despite its young age, the University has recorded notable achievements in academic development, pedagogy, research, and community engagement, with plans to consolidate these gains as the institution expands.

Addressing parents, guardians, and sponsors, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation for their investment in education and for supporting their children’s choice of FUTIA. He assured them of the University’s commitment to training students in both character and learning.

He commended members of the Governing Council, Management, academic and non-academic staff for their dedication to academic excellence, effective administration, and teamwork. He also acknowledged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for its role in conducting pre-admission examinations and ensuring that qualified candidates were admitted into the University.

In a major policy announcement, Professor Daniel disclosed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made provisions for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to ease the financial burden on students and families, urging students to enroll promptly. He further announced that the Governing Council and Management have approved automatic employment for FUTIA graduates who finish with First Class honours, describing the policy as an incentive to promote academic excellence and competitiveness.

He concluded by congratulating the matriculating students and charging them to uphold the oath of studentship, remain disciplined, and fully commit to their academic pursuits as members of the FUTIA community.