The National Executive Council of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Alumni Association has paid a maiden courtesy visit to the 9th Substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius Dozie, at the University Senate Chambers on Monday, September 28, 2026.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Alumni Association to formally congratulate the Vice-Chancellor on his assumption of office, strengthen the relationship between the University and its alumni, and outline areas of partnership towards advancing the development of FUTO.

Speaking during the visit, the National President of FUTO Alumni Association, Engr. Prof. Laz Uzoechi, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for recognising and appointing distinguished members of the Alumni into key positions in his administration, particularly Engr. Prof. Remy Uche, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), and Prof. Edehedum Etuk, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Innovation).

He described the appointments as a demonstration of confidence in the capacity and commitment of FUTO alumni to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of their alma mater.

“We did not come to complain; we came to commit”

Prof. Uzoechi emphasised that, despite prevailing economic challenges, FUTO alumni have continued to demonstrate their commitment to giving back to the University and supporting projects that enhance its academic and technological environment.

He cited recent developments and interventions associated with the University, including the New Engineering ICT Hub attracted by Shell and the Federal Government/African Development Bank (FG/AfDB) Energizing Education Programme solar farm, as examples of the kind of strategic partnerships and investments that can strengthen FUTO's infrastructure and institutional capacity.

He further announced the completion of the first stage of the FUTO Alumni Endowment Fund for Excellence, including the blueprint and Programme of Action towards the proposed ?10 billion FUTO Alumni Endowment Fund.

According to the Alumni President, the proposed Endowment Fund is designed to support the University in critical areas, including infrastructure and laboratories, scholarships for indigent students, postgraduate research grants, staff development and research seed funding, while also supporting the establishment of an Alumni Advancement and Innovation Hub on campus.

The Alumni Association also disclosed that it had commenced the provision of whiteboards and wireless public-address systems for some of the University's large lecture theatres. Seven whiteboards and five public-address systems have already been earmarked for identified lecture theatres, with further provisions expected as additional Alumni Levy funds become available.

Prof. Uzoechi said the Alumni Association would soon commence a wider fundraising drive at the local, national and international levels to actualise the Endowment Fund project.

Alumni mobilises support to protect FUTO land

Also speaking, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of FUTO Alumni Association, Chief Achiegbu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Alumni to using its extensive network and stakeholder relationships to support the University in protecting its land and institutional assets.

He stressed the importance of securing the University's perimeter and preventing further encroachment on FUTO's land.

The Alumni Association pledged to support efforts towards securing the University's landholding and advocated the commencement of perimeter fencing of the institution, which, according to the Association, could be undertaken in phases until fully completed.

The Association maintained that protecting FUTO's land is a collective responsibility requiring the collaboration of the University, Alumni, government and other relevant stakeholders.

Alumni's Covenant with the New Administration

The Alumni President stated that the Association's visit was not merely ceremonial but represented the beginning of a renewed partnership with the new administration.

“We did not come to complain; we came to commit,” he said, outlining the Association's readiness to work with the University administration to attract resources, strengthen infrastructure, promote research and innovation, support students and deepen the presence of FUTO alumni on campus.

He also assured the Vice-Chancellor that the Alumni Association has a strong network of graduates across Nigeria and internationally who remain willing to support initiatives that advance the University's interests.

Vice-Chancellor: Working with Alumni is Dear to My Heart

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius Dozie, thanked the FUTO Alumni Association for the courtesy visit and for its continued commitment to the development of the University.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that working with the Alumni Association is dear to his heart, recognising the Alumni as important stakeholders and partners in the University's development.

He expressed appreciation for the various contributions and initiatives of the Association and welcomed the commitment to deeper collaboration between the University and its alumni.

The Vice-Chancellor's response further underscored the importance of a strong University-Alumni relationship in mobilising resources, strengthening institutional development and creating opportunities for present and future generations of FUTO students.

The courtesy visit ended with a renewed commitment by both the University administration and the Alumni Association to build a stronger partnership focused on infrastructure, research and innovation, student support, institutional development, land protection and the long-term advancement of FUTO.