FUTO VC, Prof Dozie, vows to leave institution better

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Dozie, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to transforming the university and leaving it better than it was found.

Prof. Dozie stated this when he played host to the Commissioner, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Henry Okafor, and his delegation during their visit to the university.

The Vice-Chancellor, who warmly welcomed the Commissioner and his delegation, noted that FUTO is strategically positioned to partner with the Ministry in advancing its mandate.

He highlighted the university’s academic, research and technological strengths, particularly in areas such as Petroleum Engineering, Logistics and Transport Technology, Maritime Technology and other related disciplines capable of contributing significantly to the development of the oil and gas sector and the wider Niger Delta region.

He expressed FUTO’s readiness to explore meaningful areas of collaboration with the Ministry, particularly in research and innovation, capacity building, community engagement, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and conflict prevention.

Prof. Dozie reaffirmed the vision of his administration.

He declared: “Our commitment is to leave FUTO better than we met it”.

He expressed optimism that the courtesy visit would mark the beginning of a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial partnership between FUTO and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

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Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Henry Okafor, highlighted the mandate of the Ministry, particularly its responsibility for managing relationships between oil companies and their host communities, promoting effective community engagement, and fostering peace, stability and sustainable development across the oil- and gas-producing region.

Dr. Okafor noted that FUTO occupies a strategic position within the Niger Delta region.

He described the university as the best university of technology in Nigeria.

Accompanying the Vice-Chancellor during the courtesy visit were members of the University’s Management team, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Engr. Prof. Remy Uche; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. C. C. Ogueke; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Innovation), Prof. E. B. Etuk; University Registrar, Mr. Chiedozie Uba; University Bursar, represented by Mr. Okechukwu Oji; and University Librarian, Dr. Mrs. Justina Ekere.