A total of 8,713 students graduated from the Federal University of Technology Ilaro during its 23rd graduation ceremony and 46th Founder's Day anniversary held in Ogun State, as the Minister of Education called on Nigerian graduates to channel their skills towards solving the country's economic and infrastructure challenges.

The Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, represented by the ministry's Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions, Mrs Amy Igwe, addressed the graduands with a direct charge. "Nigeria is facing economic and infrastructure challenges, but I firmly believe that with your skills and determination, you can be part of the solution. As you embark on the next stage, be bold, innovative, and entrepreneurial. Harness your skills to drive positive change and represent Nigeria with pride," he stated.

Alausa announced that the Federal Government's education reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda include a revised curriculum set to take effect in the 2025 to 2026 academic session, reducing the number of subjects in primary and secondary schools to promote deeper learning. The reforms will also introduce mandatory vocational skills and new subjects, including solar PV installation and robotics.

The minister added that efforts were underway to resolve the longstanding HND degree dichotomy and to enable polytechnics to award degrees. He also highlighted the DOTS strategy covering data on out of school children, teacher training, and skills acquisition as part of Nigeria's transition to a knowledge based economy. Other initiatives include a smart school protection strategy, improved capital funding for tertiary institutions in the 2026 budget, and grants to support graduate entrepreneurship.

Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Mukail Akinde disclosed that 201 students graduated in the Distinction category. Fadiran Boluwatife Enitan emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student in the HND category with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.97 in Science Laboratory Technology, while Tijani Boluwatife Oluseyi claimed the best in the ND category with a CGPA of 3.93 in Animal Health and Production Technology.

Akinde urged the graduates to defy limits, describing the world as requiring creative thinkers and problem solvers.