The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Ikechukwu N.S. Dozie, has stated that the institution will continue to draw from its heritage and the contributions of previous leaders in responding to the rapid changes in the higher education and technology landscape. This was made known during the 7th FUTO Valedictory Lecture, delivered by former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze.
Prof. Dozie reiterated his administration's commitment to building on the achievements of his predecessors. He congratulated Prof. Eze on the lecture and commended him for his years of scholarship, leadership, and service to the university. Dozie described Prof. Eze as an accomplished academic whose contributions helped to grow and develop FUTO. The Vice-Chancellor noted that the university's progress was the product of the contributions of successive administrations and generations of staff.
During his valedictory lecture, Prof. Francis Chukwuemeka Eze reflected on his long journey at FUTO while offering thoughts on the opportunities and challenges ahead. His lecture, titled "Walking the FUTO Journey: A Physicist's Reflections on Scholarship, Leadership, Legacy and Emerging Opportunities," examined his academic and leadership experience, as well as the university's evolution, achievements, and prospects.
Prof. Eze highlighted institutional developments recorded during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, including the establishment of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I). He also mentioned the development of notable Centres of Excellence, such as the Africa Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems (ACE-FUELS) and the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (CE-sPESS).
The former Vice-Chancellor, who served as FUTO's 7th substantive Vice-Chancellor from 2016 to 2021, also cited the strengthening of the School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT) and the School of Electrical Systems and Engineering Technology (SESET). Additionally, he mentioned the College of Medicine and the NCC Professorial Chair on ICT, among developments that contributed to FUTO's growth and impact.
Prof. Eze called for stronger partnerships between FUTO and the government, industry, development agencies, research institutions, alumni, and universities to expand opportunities for research, innovation, and technological development. He urged the university to embrace digital technology and digitisation more aggressively, noting that technology should remain central to FUTO's identity and its contribution to national development.
The valedictory lecture coincided with Prof. Eze's official retirement from FUTO after nearly 37 years of service. He stated that he steps aside confident that education remains the surest instrument of nation-building, and that integrity and service are essential measures of success. The programme featured special presentations by various staff groups and was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice-Chancellors from other institutions.
Key points
- FUTO will continue to draw from its heritage and the contributions of previous leaders to respond to changes in higher education and technology.
- Prof. Eze highlighted several institutional developments during his tenure, including the establishment of new centres and schools.
- The former Vice-Chancellor called for stronger partnerships and urged the university to aggressively embrace digital technology.
