Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has announced that applications are now open for postgraduate programs for the 2024/2025 academic session. FUTA is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply to its School of Postgraduate Studies. There are several postgraduate courses available, aimed at building advanced skills in various technical and professional fields.
FUTA established its Board of Postgraduate Studies in 1986. This board later transformed into what is now the School of Postgraduate Studies in 1994. The purpose of this school is to meet the university’s mission of developing a highly skilled workforce that can contribute significantly to the growth and advancement of Nigeria.
FUTA’s postgraduate programs align with the Federal Government’s objectives for universities of technology. The programs aim to build on the knowledge and skills that students acquire during their undergraduate studies. By doing so, the university prepares students for advanced careers in science, technology, and related fields.
The need for practical and impactful education drives the university’s approach to postgraduate education. FUTA’s postgraduate programs are designed to foster self-reliance and technological expertise, skills that are seen as crucial for addressing underdevelopment in Nigeria. The programs aim to develop professionals in a range of fields, such as engineering, science, agriculture, environmental management, and other areas critical to national growth.
Objectives for Graduate Students
The School of Postgraduate Studies at FUTA trains its students with specific objectives in mind:
- In-depth Knowledge: Students are expected to gain a deep and thorough understanding of the basic principles in their chosen fields of study. This strong foundation helps them become experts in their disciplines.
- Broad Analytical Skills: The training emphasizes the development of analytical skills that can lead to significant breakthroughs in both technology and intellect. By equipping students with these skills, FUTA aims to foster innovations that can improve society.
- Competency and Teaching Skills: Graduates are trained to be well-versed in their fields, competent to teach and pass on their knowledge to others, thus helping to sustain FUTA’s academic environment.
FUTA’s postgraduate admission policy is unique, maintaining a ratio where 60% of students are undergraduates and 40% are postgraduate students. This balance is supported by a highly qualified faculty, ensuring a quality learning experience for all students.
Collaboration with Research Centers
FUTA has established partnerships with renowned research centers to offer specialized courses. One such partnership is with the Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS), located in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. This collaboration allows FUTA to offer a Master’s degree in Geoinformation Technology (MGIT) with various specializations, including:
- Disaster Risk Management
- Environmental Management
- Land Resource Management
- Natural Resource Management
- Hydrology and Water Resource Management
- Meteorology and Climate Change
- Soil Analysis and Agricultural Management
- Health and Social Development
- Crime Mapping, Peace and Security, and Military Intelligence
- Urban Planning and Analysis
- Geovisualisation and Mapping Technology
Further information about these programs can be found on the RECTAS website at https://afrigist.org/.
FUTA also partners with the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education (ARCSSTE-E), a center affiliated with the United Nations. This collaboration provides an opportunity for students to earn a Master’s in Space Science and Technology (MSST) with the following areas of specialization:
- Satellite Communication
- Basic Space Physics
- Satellite Meteorology
- Remote Sensing and GIS
More details about these programs can be found at www.arcsstee.org.ng.
Admission Requirements
FUTA’s postgraduate programs have specific entry requirements based on the level of the program.
1. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD)
Applicants to the PGD program must meet one of the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least a Third Class in the relevant field.
- Have a Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of Lower Credit in the relevant field.
- For the Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science, recognized professional qualifications (such as ACA, AIB, ACCA, ACIS) may also be accepted.
2. Master’s Degrees (M.Agric.Tech., M.Eng., M.Tech., M.Sc.)
To qualify for a master’s program, candidates need to meet one of these criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree from FUTA or any other recognized university with at least a Second Class Lower grade in the relevant field.
- An HND with a Lower Credit grade plus a Postgraduate Diploma at the Upper Credit level.
- For engineering programs specifically, candidates with an HND must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 in their Postgraduate Diploma to be considered.
3. Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.)
To apply for an M.Phil., candidates must have a strong M.Tech. degree or an equivalent qualification in the relevant field.
4. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Ph.D. applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree with a CGPA of at least 3.50 or a minimum average score of 60%.
- Other qualifications may also be accepted if approved by the Senate.
Duration of Postgraduate Programs
The time required to complete each program varies:
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGD):
- Full-Time: 18 to 24 months
- Part-Time: 18 to 36 months
- Master’s Programs:
- Duration: 18 to 24 months
- Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.):
- Duration: 18 to 24 months
- Students may transfer to the Ph.D. program if they complete the necessary coursework and meet additional requirements.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.):
- Full-Time: 36 to 48 months
- Part-Time: 48 to 60 months
How to Apply
Prospective students should follow these steps for their applications:
- Online Application: Visit FUTA’s website at http://www.futa.edu.ng. Applications can also be submitted via the ARCSSTE-E and RECTAS websites.
- Application Fee: The application fee is N20,000 for Ph.D., Master’s, and PGD programs, payable via the REMITA method.
- Research Proposals for Ph.D. Candidates: Ph.D. applicants should email their research proposals to spgsadmissions@futa.edu.ng in the format surname_school/department.doc (e.g., Ojo_sos/che.researchproposal).
- Transcripts: Applicants who graduated from universities other than FUTA must attach a Transcript Label to their application and ensure that their official transcripts are sent directly to FUTA. The transcripts should be sent within six weeks of this announcement.
Transcript Mailing Address: THE SECRETARY,
SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
ATTENTION: [Department Name]
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE
P.M.B. 704, AKURE, ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
Notes:
- Transcripts without the required label will not be processed.
- Application fees are non-refundable.
Application Dates
The application forms will be available starting Monday, July 15, 2024.
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