The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) yesterday honoured three distinguished Nigerians with honorary doctorate degrees during its 38th convocation ceremony, as the recipients announced donations totaling N30 million to support students and research development in the institution.

The honoured personalities were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who received an Honorary Doctor of Management (D.Mgt); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MRS Holdings Ltd, Sayyid Idris Dantata; and Chairman/CEO of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Catherine Uju Ifejika, both of whom were also conferred with Honorary Doctor of Management degrees.

Speaking after receiving the award, the Ooni of Ife announced the establishment of a N20 million endowment fund for outstanding FUTO students, describing the gesture as an investment in Nigeria’s future leaders.

“I see future ministers, governors and presidents among these students,” the monarch said. “Nigeria is blessed with talented young people, but many of them do not know how to access opportunities or connect with those who can support their aspirations. This endowment fund is intended to help bright and talented students achieve their dreams.”

He disclosed that the Idea was inspired by a discussion with billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote on the need to create opportunities for gifted Nigerian youths.

Also speaking, Ifejika expressed gratitude to the university for the honour bestowed on her and announced a N10 million donation to support research activities in the institution.

“I am deeply honoured by this recognition, and I believe research remains the foundation of innovation and national development. This contribution is my modest support towards advancing research excellence in FUTO,” she said.

Earlier, Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, Nnenna Oti, described the convocation as particularly significant, noting that it marked her final convocation ceremony as the university’s eighth substantive Vice-Chancellor.

“I am profoundly honoured to preside over this ceremony, which holds special significance as my last convocation as Vice-Chancellor of this great university,” she said. “It is with deep fulfilment that I take my bow, knowing that my mission has been accomplished.”

Oti said the university was conferring honorary doctorate degrees on the three eminent Nigerians in recognition of their “towering contributions to educational advancement, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and human development across Nigeria.”

She congratulated the graduating students and urged them to remain focused and disciplined. (The Nation)