History was made at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) recently, when the pioneer students of its Open and Distance Learning Programme (ODLP) were welcomed into the institution at the matriculation presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji.

The Registrar, Mr. Charles Adeleye, administered the oath of matriculation on the 38 students admitted for the Computer Science programme of the centre after their presentation by the Director, Prof. Felix Alao.

The VC underscored the significance of the occasion, saying the participants were witnesses to an historical event, which had broaden the reach of the university.

“I am very glad to be part of this historic event. It is yet another giant step in the mandate of FUTA at making knowledge accessible to as many people as are eligible and willing to be part of the FUTA community,” the vice chancellor said.

Prof. Oladiji said the programme is a veritable window of opportunity for students to pursue their dreams and aspiration to attain any academic height. She assured the students of quality learning, “as FUTA is the best university of technology in Nigeria, a position it has maintained for the past two decades.” According to her, as Computer Science students, opportunities to make impact in the society are almost limitless, “because we now live in a world ruled by Information and Communication Technology.”

Prof. Oladiji advised the students to stay focused “and success will in no distance time be achievable.”

She appealed to them to be of good conduct so as not to put the good image of FUTA in bad light and jeopardise their studentship.

She said although the programme was hybrid in nature, meaning physical and mostly virtual interactions, the certificate would be the same with the one awarded to regular physical students.

She urged the students not to be too idealistic and advised them to moderate their expectations from the management with respect to what should be provided. She appealed to them to always reach mutual understanding in demands if the need ever arises.

She reserved special commendation for the Director, ODLP, Prof. Felix Alao, for his efforts and leadership attributes.