The management of the Federal University of Technology Akure ,FUTA has inaugurated a Senior Citizens Centre as part of efforts to improve community engagement activities between staff who have served meritoriously and the university.
Operations at the Centre which is located at the former University library was flagged off on the 6th of September 2024.
At the occasion , the Vice Chancellor Professor Adenike Oladiji said the main intention of establishing the Center was to stimulate good volunteering opportunities for retirees and to give them a sense of belonging and fulfillment.
She said those who have used the youthful part of their lives to serve the nation and the university should not be relegated to the background but should be treated with the utmost dignity that they deserve.
The Vice Chancellor said “even though you are no longer active in the system, we can count on your years of experience and wisdom to move the affairs of the university forward. Some academics who have mentors and papers to contribute to, will find a ready-made haven to pour out your intellect. You will always be a part of the university community and we know that this Center will be a rallying point for the further development of FUTA.”
In the same vein, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Oluyamo said the aim of the Center was to reintegrate retirees into the system by giving them an identity as people who have contributed to the achievements of FUTA. He said this was the first of its kind among Universities in Nigeria adding that FUTA will always blaze the trail in innovative solutions.
He acknowledged that a more befitting space will still be provided in the future so that more state-of-the-art facilities will be available for the use of the retiree community.
In his response on behalf of other retirees, Professor David Olufolaji appreciated the university management for the Center describing it as magnanimous and laudable.
He said it was a thing of honor to be remembered by the university community for the years of service as academics and non-academics. He pledged the continuous support of all patrons of the Center towards the peace and prosperity of the university.
The Center has offices, a sitting room, a conference room, an executive office, kitchen, restrooms, and board games for relaxation.
