No fewer than 1,000 newly admitted students of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), were formally matriculated yesterday for the 2025/2026 academic session, as the Vice Chancellor, Professor Leo Daniel, charged them to pursue academic excellence, discipline and innovation, warning that the university has zero tolerance for social vices.

Addressing the matriculants at the ceremony, Professor Daniel, who spoke on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate and staff, congratulated the students for gaining admission into what he described as “a great citadel of learning,” noting that their admission marked a critical milestone in their academic and professional journeys.

He stressed that success at FUTIA would depend largely on students’ commitment to their studies, research, innovation, sportsmanship and positive extracurricular engagements, while emphasizing that the institution would not condone examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, drug abuse, cybercrime or any form of misconduct.

“FUTIA is a specialised federal university established to champion excellence in science, technology, engineering, innovation and research,” the Vice Chancellor said, assuring the students of quality training delivered by highly qualified lecturers and supported by strict academic standards.

Professor Daniel reminded the matriculants that they were privileged to belong to the third batch of students admitted into the university, following the pioneer set of the 2023/2024 academic session.

He warned that any student found guilty of violating the university’s rules and regulations would face severe disciplinary measures, including rustication where applicable.

Tracing the history of the institution, the Vice Chancellor explained that FUTIA was established in June 2021 and, though barely three years old, had continued to record steady growth, with infrastructural development ongoing at both the take-off and permanent campuses.

He appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government, intervention agencies, relevant stakeholders and the Federal Ministry of Regional Development to sustain their support to fast-track the university’s development.

While acknowledging existing infrastructural challenges, Professor Daniel assured the students that massive development projects were in progress, urging them to make proper use of available facilities such as classrooms, hostels, the library, studios and sports arena.

Despite its young age, he said the university had recorded what he described as “monumental achievements” in academic excellence, research, pedagogy and community service, pledging that the management would consolidate on these gains.

Addressing parents, guardians and sponsors, the Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation for their investment in education and support for the institution, assuring them that FUTIA remained committed to training students in both character and learning.

He also commended members of the Governing Council, management team and staff for their dedication, while thanking the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for ensuring a credible admission process.

In a major boost for students, Professor Daniel announced that FUTIA students could now access the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ease financial constraints.

He further disclosed that the university had approved automatic employment for graduating students who obtain First Class degrees, as part of measures to encourage competitiveness and reward academic excellence.

“The ball is now in your court,” the Vice Chancellor concluded, urging the matriculants to uphold the oath of studentship and conduct themselves with integrity, as he formally welcomed them to FUTIA, “where innovation drives transformation, propelled by Artificial Intelligence.”