AKURE, NIGERIA — The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has recorded 256 first-class graduates among the 3,039 students listed as graduating at its 37th convocation ceremony, highlighting the academic achievements of students completing their programmes at the institution.
The reported figures place the number of first-class graduates at approximately 8.4 per cent of the graduating population. The development represents a significant milestone for the students, their families and the university community as FUTA celebrates another graduating cohort.
The 37th convocation ceremony is scheduled to run from November 13 to November 21, 2026, according to an announcement published by the university. The programme includes the conferment of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, alongside other academic, professional and social activities.
The award of first degrees is scheduled for Friday, November 20, at the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium, while postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees will be conferred on Saturday, November 21.
The number of first-class graduates is a notable component of the reported graduation figures. A first-class degree is the highest classification in the conventional Nigerian university degree grading system and generally reflects outstanding academic performance throughout a student’s programme.
For the graduating students, the achievement represents years of lectures, examinations, practical sessions, research assignments and other academic responsibilities. It also marks the transition from university education to the next stage of their personal and professional lives.
FUTA, a federal institution based in Akure, Ondo State, specialises in technology-oriented education and research. Its academic structure includes disciplines spanning engineering, environmental technology, agriculture, physical sciences, life sciences, computing and other related fields.
The university’s 37th convocation programme is designed to recognise the achievements of graduating students while bringing together members of the academic community, parents, guardians, alumni and invited guests.
Beyond the formal presentation of certificates and degrees, convocation ceremonies provide universities with an opportunity to celebrate academic progress, recognise outstanding performance and reflect on their contributions to national development.
The event will also feature a convocation lecture by Innocent C. Ike, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc. The lecture is titled, “From Akure to the World: The Next Chapter is Yours to Write,” and is scheduled to hold alongside the award of first degrees on November 20.
Other activities listed in the university’s programme include religious services, an excellence and productivity awards ceremony, a career talk, an exhibition, a novelty football match, an alumni lecture and the commissioning of university projects.
FUTA management has also issued instructions to graduating students concerning participation in the academic procession and collection of approved academic gowns. Graduands are expected to participate in the procession, while gown distribution will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis after payment of the required fees.
Students have been advised to contact officials in their respective schools for information about payment procedures, invitation cards and other arrangements relating to the ceremony.
The reported 256 first-class graduates will be among the students whose academic achievements are recognised during the convocation celebrations. Their results also provide an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of lecturers, university staff, parents and guardians to the students’ educational journeys.
As the institution prepares to confer degrees on the graduating cohort, attention will remain on the achievements of the students and the opportunities awaiting them beyond the university.
The 37th convocation marks another chapter in FUTA’s academic history, with the graduating students expected to take the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies into different professional fields and areas of national development.
