VICE-CHANCELLOR UNDERTAKES MAIDEN VISITS TO FUTO HOST COMMUNITIES On Monday January 11 and Tuesday January 31, 2017, the Vice-Chancellor Federal University of Technology Owerri, Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze took time off his busy schedule to commence his maiden visit to host communities of the University. While the royal fathers congratulated the Vice-Chancellor and wished him a successful tenure, the Vice-Chancellor assured them that whatever should be done for any of the host communities by FUTO would not be denied them. The communities visited include Umuanunu, Obinze, Ihiagwa, Eziobodo and Eziokele.
FUTO HOLDS WORKSHOP FOR NEWLY APPOINTED DIRECTORS AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS A two-day training Workshop/Retreat was organized by the Centre for Human Resources Development (CHRD) for newly appointed Directors, Heads of Departments and Coordinators of Units in the Federal University of Technology, Owerri to enable them gain administrative and managerial skills, knowledge and competences that would aid them to efficiently discharge their onerous responsibilities as managers of human and material resources. The workshop with the theme, “Fundamentals of Office Administration, Leadership Skills and Effective Communication Processes and Practices” was held between Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th February, 2017 at CHRD Conference room.
INSTITUTE OF EROSION STUDIES HOLDS 2ND INTERNATIONAL TRAINING WORKSHOP The Institute of Erosion Studies FUTO, in collaboration with Imo State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (IMS-NEWMAP) organized her 2nd International Training Workshop; in line with the present administration’s Mantra of “Driving the Culture of Excellence”. It held from Monday, February 13, through Wednesday, February 15, 2017. The theme of the Workshop, “Integrated Watershed Management: A tool for Sustainable Climate Change, Flood and Erosion Control” focused on the menace of environmental hazards and their impact on food security.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT HOLDS RETREAT IN FUTO The University played host to a two-day retreat of the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) on Needs Assessment Intervention in Nigerian Public Universities for the Beneficiary Institutions from South Eastern Zone from Thursday, February 16 through Friday, February 17, 2017. The Needs Assessment was constituted by the Federal Government in 2012 to determine the actual status of Nigerian Public Universities in terms of infrastructural facilities, services and resources, staffing and enrollment, environment and utilities as well as quality of delivery of teaching and learning, among other areas of concern. The essence of the retreat was to assess the progress made in the Implementation of various Needs Assessment Projects in Nigerian Public Universities with a view to identifying challenges and proffering solutions for addressing emerging Issues. Participants included Vice-Chancellors, Directors of 1 Procurement and Physical Planning as well as members of the Budget Monitoring Committee drawn from all Public Universities in the South East.
VC BRIEFS PRESSMEN ON STUDENTS’ PROTEST On Thursday, February 23, 2017, members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm were at the Federal University of Technology Owerri to get first hand information on the reasons for the students’ unprecedented wanton destruction of property on campus. Briefing the Pressmen, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze said the students, in what looked like a well planned and calculated attack on the University, went on a rampage, destroyed and looted properties worth millions of naira including ICT equipment and installations. He condemned the act, adding that the University Management has taken stringent measures to forestall future occurrence.
NANS CONDEMN UNWARRANTED DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY BY STUDENTS OF FUTO The Leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Students NANS, in collaboration with the Students Union Government of FUTO condemned in its entirety the unwarranted and violent demonstration by the students which led to destruction of the University’s property on Friday, February 17 2017. The condemnation was made during the visit of the two groups to the Vice-Chancellor on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.
CLARK UNIVERSITY GRADUATE AND FUTO ALUMNUS ADVOCATES INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FOR FUTO STUDENTS An alumnus of the Federal University of Technology Owerri and graduate student of the Clark University Massachusetts United States of America Mr. Emmanuel Aghado, has advocated international education for students of the Institution and a globally engaged United States Government. He stated this after his participation in the Advocacy Day of the Association of International Educators, which took place between March 13 and 14, 2017 in Washington D.C. The Advocacy Day was made possible through the International Students and Scholars Office at Clark University. In a statement he sent to FUTO, Mr. Aghado, a candidate for Masters Degree in Information Technology at Clark University enthused, “the advocacy day experience at Washington D.C. was one of the best experiences in my life” adding that it was “fun and formal”.
COMMITTEE ON STUDENTS’ DEMONSTRATION SUBMITS INTERIM REPORT TO VICE-CHANCELLOR The Committee on the Students’ demonstration of February 21, 2017, submitted its interim report to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Francis Chukwuemeka Eze on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Submitting the report, the Committee Chairman, Prof. B.C. Anusionwu stated that the Committee worked tirelessly and after ten sittings, came up with the
2 interim report, adding that the Committee will continue its sittings to exhaust every area of interest to the University.
COUNCIL MEMBERS OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHAPLAINCY VISIT THE VICE- CHANCELLOR The Chaplain of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy FUTO, the Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Jude Ike on Thursday March 16, 2017 led Council Members of the Chaplaincy on a courtesy visit to appreciate the Vice-Chancellor as well as assure the University Management of prayers and encouragement. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze, in his response thanked them for the visit, declared his unwavering support and commitment to the Chaplaincy and charged them to always speak out on issues that require their views and input. Prof. Eze encouraged them to work out a programme where they would always interact with the students to guide the misinformed and misguided ones. The Vice-Chancellor pledged his administration’s poise to deliver even in the face of daunting challenges.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH FUTO A team from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, led by Engineer Emmanuel Orubor on Thursday March 16, 2017 paid a courtesy visit on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Chukwuemeka Eze. Speaking on the purpose of their visit, Engr. Emmanuel Orubor disclosed that they had come to assess the equipment in the University’s Workshops and to seek partnership with the University in the areas of technical advice, design and collaboration in manpower development and consultancy services. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Chukwuemeka Eze while thanking the team for their visit and its purpose, re-iterated the uniqueness of the University, stating that Transport, Maritime and Engineering Departments of the Institution are replete with equipment and laboratories as well as the best brains in the country. He assured them of his cooperation and willingness to collaborate with the Federal Ministry.
VC ESTABLISHES SYNERGY WITH CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS In his effort towards consolidating the security apparatus of his administration, the 7th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze on Tuesday, 28th March, 2017, paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Imo State Command. In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor sought the assistance of the Corps in the area of intelligence-gathering while collaborating with other security agencies in the State. Responding, the Imo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Stephen Z. Lar expressed delight with the historic visit of the Vice Chancellor and the Management which he noted was the first of its kind. Commandant Lar assured him of the full cooperation of the Corps in any area the University may need their assistance.
3 31ST INAUGURAL LECTURE: PROF. EGEREONU TACKLES RESIDUAL AEROSOLS Residual aerosols in the environment have been described as a major source of pollution, with grave consequences for human lives. A Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Professor Ubaezue Ugochukwu Egereonu stated this while delivering the 31st Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. In the lecture titled, “Analytical Assessment of Atmospheric Aerosol in The Environment”, Prof. Egereonu lamented the earth environment’s continuous degradation due to pollution arising from human activities occasioned by urbanization and industrialization. He said, “The oxides of non-metals on dissolution in the atmospheric moisture precipitate as residual aerosol which constitutes unimaginable pollution in the environment”. He suggested, among others, continuous monitoring on rivers and sensitizing the populace on the risk of discharging toxic materials into water bodies, stressing that solid waste should be categorized and chemically treated to ensure a healthy environment.
STUDENTS’ VIOLENT PROTEST, A CRIMINAL ACT – FORMER PRO- CHANCELLOR Former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 10th Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Dr. Emmanuel M. I. Enemuo described as criminal, the February 17 violent demonstration by students of the University. The Pro-Chancellor stated this on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 during an inspection tour of facilities damaged by the students.
EATING ONE EGG PER DAY IS SAFE – 32ND INAUGURAL LECTURER PROF. OKEUDO Against widespread concern about animal protein consumption and its implications for healthy living, a Professor of Animal Science in the Department of Animal Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof. Ndukwe James Okeudo said cholesterol is a very important component of the human cell membrane that plays critical roles without which the human body cannot survive. Prof. Okeudo made this assertion on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 while delivering the 32nd Inaugural Lecture of the University entitled, “Human Food and Healthy Lives: Confronting Insufficient Production and Preservation of Good Quality Meat and Egg”. The University don who stated that incidences of high cholesterol were due mainly to “high endogenous cholesterol synthesis than to excessive dietary intake” emphasized that “Every food, including animal products must be consumed with moderation”. Prof. Okeudo recommended the development of alternative and cheaper animal feedstuffs, cross- breeding of indigenous animal species with high performing exotic breeds, upgrading of facilities for animal slaughter and the persuasion of nomadic herdsmen to settle, among other recommendations.
4 2017 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: JOB EQUALITY IN FOCUS AS FUTO EMPOWERS WOMEN FROM HOST COMMUNITIES The global campaign for equality of opportunities for all sexes by the year 2030 was brought home to the Federal University of Technology with the observance of the 2017 International Women’s Day celebration in the university on Thursday April 6, 2017. The event whose theme was “Women In The Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030” was organized by the Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies (IWoGDS) in collaboration with FUTO Women Association (FUTOWA), Women in Management and Leadership Association (WIMA), Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN), Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and Nigeria Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT). Highlights include presentation of awards to deserving women, launching of the 5th edition of the FUTOWA VOICE magazine and distribution of improved varieties of agricultural inputs to women from the university host communities.
FUTO’S 10TH GOVERNING COUNCIL BOWS OUT WITH A SPECIAL VALEDICTORY SESSION At a special valedictory session convened in honour of the Council on Friday April 7, 2017, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 10th Governing Council Dr. Emmanuel M.I. Enemuo acknowledged that they met a University with a strong and focused Management with which the Council worked closely and transformed the University into a highly rated institution of repute.
CRID FUTO ORGANIZES WORKSHOP FOR ACADEMIC STAFF The Center for Research and International Development (CRID), Federal University of Technology, Owerri on Wednesday April 5 2017, organized a one day workshop on “Internal and External Opportunities for Academic Training and Development” for all academic staff from the rank of Assistant Lecturer to Lecturer 1, who were yet to obtain their Ph.D. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze, who declared the workshop open, urged the participants to strive to attain the peak of their career by doing thorough researches and publishing good research papers in international journals, noting that the workshop was timely as the participants were mostly young men and women who were vibrant, energetic and full of ideas.
CRID HOLDS A ONE-DAY GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP IN FUTO The Centre for Research and International Development (CRID), Federal University of Technology, Owerri on May 3, 2017 held a one-day workshop on “Achieving Excellence on Strategic Grant Writing” at the School of Physical Sciences Auditorium, FUTO. Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor identified quality grant writing as one of the major ways and opportunities employed by tertiary and sundry Institutions to attract research funding from donor agencies, expected to bring about positive changes
5 in the Universities. He advised young academics to strive to meet up with the University’s expectations on them which include inter alia, productivity in teaching and research, bearing in mind that research is the pillar and bedrock of a successful economy.
FUTO’S MEDICAL CENTRE PERFORMS FIRST SURGERY It was an innovative breakthrough that hitherto seemed a hard nut to crack, one of the first by the present administration which created the enabling environment. It was scored at the Federal University of Technology Medical Centre on Tuesday 9th May, 2017. The surgery, the left inguino-scrotal Herinotomy, was carried out on a male child of six years by the Medical Director of the Centre, Dr. Justin K. Aguocha assisted by Mrs. Ifenyinwa Offodile and Mr. Ohuruzo the Anesthetist. The child has since recovered fully.
VC REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SERVICE Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, has reaffirmed his commitment to serving God and humanity. The Vice-Chancellor disclosed this on Sunday, May 14 2017 during a thanksgiving service held at his country home, Amanator Ideato South Local Government Area Imo State. The Vice-Chancellor further stated that he remained focused on his strategic mantra for the University, “Driving the Culture of Excellence” and reiterated his commitment to students’ welfare, charging them to resist any devious promptings by disgruntled elements most of whom are rusticated students bent on causing confusion and misleading the law abiding ones. The thanksgiving outing of the Vice-Chancellor came on the heels of the recent elevation in his career and a long trail of uncountable blessings of God on him and his family.
2017 UTME: JAMB COMMENDS FUTO The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commended the Federal University of Technology, Owerri for the successful conduct of the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation on Examination (UTME). The examination body gave the commendation on Tuesday May 15, 2017, during a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze following the conclusion of the examination in the university. In his remark, the Assistant Director Test Administration, JAMB Mrs Gloria Anyaegbu thanked the Vice-Chancellor for providing all the needed facilities and logistics, all of which led to a hitch-free conduct of the examination in the university and also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor’s hospitality throughout the duration of the examination and the university’s Information and Communication Technology Centre for their technical support. In his response, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eze expressed delight with the
6 successful conduct of the examination and pledged his administration’s commitment to assisting the Examination body achieve optimal success.
OWERRI WEST TRADITIONAL RULERS GIVE FUTO VICE-CHANCELLOR A PAT ON THE BACK Members of the Owerri West Council of Traditional Rulers paid a courtesy visit on the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze on Thursday, May 25, 2017. They congratulated Prof. Eze on his emergence as the 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUTO and prayed for his success in office, adding that as custodians of tradition and the people, they are always proud to project FUTO as their own and seek to maintain a cordial and amicable relationship with the Vice-Chancellor, the University Management and the entire University Community. Responding, the Vice-Chancellor thanked them for their visit and restated his determination to commercialize agriculture and build industries, making maximum use of the vast land available to FUTO which would benefit the teeming population of youths of the host communities.
35th MATRICULATION: FUTO ADMITS 5445 FRESHMEN Following the successful conclusion of the 2016/2017 admission exercise, a total of 5445 freshmen were on Friday, May 26 2017 formally admitted into the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. In his maiden Matriculation address titled “Prioritizing Your Academic Pursuit”, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the new students on their being enlisted into the academic sojourn in the university and charged them to accord profound attention to their academic pursuit, self-respect, positive values and good morals. “Beyond the celebration and excitement of today’s ceremony lies the responsibility that comes with this journey. It is a call to duty and responsibility which must be embellished with hard work, determination and discipline”, the Vice-Chancellor admonished. Earlier as part of the matriculation activities, the University Management organized a 3-day Orientation Programme for the freshmen from Monday, May 22, 2017 through Wednesday, May 24, 2017.
CORPS MARSHAL FRSC SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH FUTO ON HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi led officers and men of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor on Thursday May 25, 2017 as part of the Commission’s effort in the training of its staff. The Corps Marshal said he was in FUTO to discuss a possible affiliation to run Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and Ph.D programmes in Transport Management Technology. Responding, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze said FUTO, as the premier University of Technology and first to start the Transport Management programme, has the best manpower among other Institutions in the country and stated 7 that the University Management was ready to consider the Commission’s proposal and forward same to the University Senate for approval.
NUC ACCREDITS 11 PROGRAMMES IN FUTO Following the accreditation visit of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to FUTO, the following programmes were granted full accreditation: Project Management Technology, Transport Management Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Food Science Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Biotechnology, Microbiology and Science Laboratory Technology. These programmes will be due for another accreditation in the next five years. Architecture and Building got interim accreditation and will be due for another round of accreditation visit in two years.
NEW PRO CHANCELLOR ASSUMES OFFICE In his maiden interaction with the University on Thursday June 1, 2017 at the Council/Senate Chambers, the new Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the 11th Governing Council, Prof. John Omini Offem declared his readiness to join hands with the Vice- Chancellor and make FUTO the envy of other Universities in the country.
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