It was celebration galore at the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA when the old students of the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, AGE came from different walks of life to celebrate some of their bests. Dignitaries including the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi joined them at the event, which was held at the Multipurpose building of the University on Wednesday, 13th, March 2024.
An apparently elated Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, said she was delighted when she received the letter of invitation to the auspicious occasion. She said in the words of the organizers of the event, since inception of FUTA In 1982, AGE has consistently graduated exceptional students who have made significant contributions in various fields. Professor Oladiji said AGE has contributed massively to the growth and development of FUTA. She said that aside from top management positions held by Academics from AGE, a good number of them have served the University and are still serving in various capacities. She thanked the department of AGE, for being a rich pool of human resource.
Professor Oladiji said that the contributions of Alumni to the development of their alma mater have become a veritable source of support to universities all over the world. According to her the culture of giving back to the alma mater is still not well entrenched in our clime. She however said FUTA Alumni worldwide are setting the pace in this regard and encouraged them not to relent in their contribution to the development of FUTA.
Delivering a lecture titled, “The Relevance of Agricultural Engineering Training In Contemporary Nigeria,” ,the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Peak Precision Products, Engr,Ayobami Olubori, represented by Eng. Gabriel Oshoffa and Eng. Abidemi Aboaba, said Agricultural Engineering is the application of Engineering Principles and knowledge to solve Agricultural Challenges .He said Agriculture is not only about food production, but also most raw materials required to feed most industries are derived from Agriculture. Engr Olubori said an Agric Engineer is trained and equipped with Engineering Sciences and principles applied with a view to solving Agricultural and food security challenges.
In the course of the lecture he highlighted challenges bedeviling the Agricultural Economy sector to include Insecurity, low yield /low production output, hunger and poverty, rural urban migration, large population, import food dependent, government lip service to Agricultural development and low levels of Engineering application across the entire Agricultural value chain .
In his recommendation, Olubori pointed out that practice of all year farming/irrigation, mechanized storage processing, mechanized farming, effective water conservation management and employment of more Agric Engineers to help reduce drudgery should be institutionalized and supported at all levels of government. He said this will help in no small measure to boost agricultural output with salutary effect on the economy.
While addressing guests and admonishing the students, the Permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Abuja, Eng. Marcus Ogunbiyi commended the organizers of the home coming and also thanked the staff and students of FUTA for ensuring that FUTA of yester years has developed and grown to become the best University of Technology in the country. He encouraged current students to always strive in doing more at all times and to always put in their best in whatever they do.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Department, AGE, Professor Ayodele Ajayi, congratulated everyone for being part of the occasion. He said the event holds a special place in everyone’s heart as it not only signifies the strong bond between the alma mater and the Alumni but it also serves as a testament to the exceptional talents and accomplishments that have emanated from the department and the University. To the students he restated the importance of hard work, integrity, and lifelong learning. He thanked the Alumni for their continued support and commitment to the University .He thanked the Organizing committee headed by the former Deputy Vice Chancellor Development, Professor Philip Oguntunde, Faculty Staff and Student who have worked tirelessly to make the event a success.
Oba Aladelusi, in a brief remark, congratulated all the award winners describing them as pride of FUTA. He said people should learn the act of giving back to their former schools and colleges to aid its development and to serve as motivation to current students who will then want to do the same thing after leaving such institutions. Oba Aladelusi also congratulated the Vice Chancellor, Professor Oladiji ,for the steady progress FUTA has continued to witness under her leadership.
The highlight of the occasion was the award ceremony, which witnessed two categories -Pacesetters and Remarkable. Among the awardees who received the Pacesetters award include: Eng Marcus Ogunbiyi, Eng Olugbenga Omoniyi Odesanmi, Professor Victor Norika, Eng Professor Leo Ayodeji Sunday, Eng Professor Abel Olajide Olorunsola,while the recipients for the Remarkable category include,Engr Gbenga Obagbemi,Engr Ayobami Olubori,Professor Deji Arogundade,and Eng. Femi Oshinlaja
