In a ceremony to mark the 28th graduation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), on Saturday, March 18, 2017, Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, President of African Development Bank (AfDB), was conferred with a Doctor of Science Honoris Causa.

According to a citation read by the university's orator, the decoration was in recognition of Adesina's immeasurable contribution to sustaining economic development and poverty reduction in Africa, his globally acclaimed but locally relevant leadership in agricultural development and management, and his drive to empower women for a fair and equitable world.

Responding to the honour, Adesina expressed his gratitude and praised the work of the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi G. Daramola, on the growth of the institution under his watch, particularly the 10 new additions to the university's critical infrastructure - all built with internally generated revenue.

Prior to the decoration, Adesina joined the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the university to inaugurate the two-kilometre road leading to the institution.

Addressing the graduates and Nigerian youth in general, Adesina passed on some wisdom to tackle future challenges. He told graduates to "remain focused" on what they have their hearts set out to do.

"To be successful in life, be honest, have integrity, be simple, serve others. Face the future with courage and determination," he said.

This is the third honorary doctorate Adesina has received from Nigerian universities since assuming office as President of the African Development Bank in May 2015.