A Board of Trustees Member of NANS, Comr. Okereke Godson Bishop, has lauded the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Nnenna Oti, for delivering a keynote address during the commemoration of International Students Day in Abuja, the capital territory of Nigeria.
Okereke, who is the Special Adviser to the FUTO VC on Student Affairs, gave the commendation when he spoke with the media in a telephone chat.
Okereke said the speech by Prof. Nnenna Oti, who was represented by Prof. C.M. Agu, the DVC, Administration, FUTO, was very apt and had inspired the students more on good behavior or attitudinal positivity, academic excellence, research, technology, innovation, creativity, patriotism and nation-building.
He added that the FUTO VC believes in hard work, academic excellence and positive conduct, saying her caring nature and development-driving spirit, sound judgment and God-fearing trait are second to none and have endeared her to greatness and public respect and admiration.
According to Okereke, Prof. Nnenna Oti, with the massive support of other staff, had indeed repositioned FUTO and given much concern to the welfare and activities of students of the revered university.
“In Nigeria, our students represent the heartbeat of our national development. They are not just learners; they are innovators, researchers, peace-builders and the custodians of the dreams of a prosperous Nigeria and the world at large.
“Academic excellence is not merely about grades or degrees; it is about character, competence, and contribution. Every outstanding student symbolizes the triumph of perseverance over obstacles, of curiosity over complacency and of vision over fear.
“Today, as we celebrate those who have excelled in their academic endeavors, we are also recognizing the immense potential that lies within our youth—potential to create new technologies, build sustainable enterprises, and advance the frontiers of knowledge.
“The key to national transformation lies not in our natural resources alone, but in our human resources. The future belongs to nations that invest in their youth, their skills, creativity, and innovation.
“Sustainable development can only thrive when education becomes inclusive, transformative, and responsive to the needs of the 21st century. This is why the presidency remains committed to policies that strengthen the link between education, research, and national productivity.
“Through ongoing partnerships with ministries, universities, and private stakeholders, we are expanding opportunities for students to engage in innovation hubs, digital literacy programs, and entrepreneurship accelerators that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world impact”, Okereke quoted the FUTO VC.
Okereke, while hailing the students for being excellent, urged them to continue to study hard to gain quality education, thereby navigating a bright future.
The event left a bright student of FUTO with an award for emerging as the overall best student in Nigeria with a CGPA of 4.96.
