Federal University of Technology, Minna

04/09/2026

FUTMINNA COMMISSIONS TECHNOLOGY PARK, SETS SIGHTS ON RESEARCH, INNOVATION HUB

By Lydia Legbo/Lami Bawa

The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) has commissioned its Technology Park, a TETFund-funded project designed to strengthen research, innovation, intellectual property development and technology transfer.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta commissioned the project on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the University’s Main Campus.

Speaking at the event Prof. Kuta, expressed delight at the completion of the project, describing it as one of his key visions when he sought the position of Vice-Chancellor in 2022.

Prof. Kuta explained that the idea was conceived to provide a suitable facility for housing and showcasing research outputs, noting that many research projects had previously been kept under harsh conditions.

He said the Technology Park would serve as a central hub for research projects and innovations, adding that the University would also relocate the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID) and the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office to the facility.

The Vice-Chancellor further disclosed that the exhibition for the next convocation ceremony would be held at the Technology Park.

Earlier, the Acting Director, Physical Planning and Development Unit (PPDU), QS. Aisha Mohammed described the commissioning as another milestone in the history of the University.

While providing details of the facilities, she explained that the building was constructed under TETFund 2024 Annual Intervention Fund and executed by Messrs Progressive Global Construction Services.

In his appreciation and handover remarks, the contractor, Mr. Moses Mc-Daniel thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for the opportunity to bring the project to fruition. He also commended the director of PPDU for her attention to detail throughout the construction process.

In his vote of thanks, the Director, DRID, Prof. Chiemela Enyinnaya Chinma expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, University Management and Governing Council for supporting the vision behind Technology Park.

He said the facility would help position FUT, Minna, as a technological and innovation hub in Nigeria and assured that it would be fully utilised to achieve its intended objectives.

The Technology Park is a TETFund intervention designed to support the University’s research and development activities, intellectual property protection, and innovation incubation.

Conceived and implemented under the administration of Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the facility features a large double-volume exhibition vault with a gallery for models and large machinery, an exhibition room, boardroom, offices, stores, reception and meeting rooms, as well as male and female washrooms.

The facility is fully furnished and equipped with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, while adequate parking space is also provided.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa

04/09/2026

FUTMINNA HANDS OVER BUS PARK PAVILION, SOLAR STREET LIGHTING PROJECT TO CONTRACTOR

By Lami Bawa

The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) has handed over the construction site for its Bus Park Pavilion and solar street lighting project to SALSAK Integrated Services Limited.

The handover ceremony took place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the University's Bus Park, Main Campus. The project is expected to be completed within 24 weeks.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the Acting Director, Physical Planning and Development Unit (PPDU), QS. Aisha Mohammed, said the Bus Park Pavilion would comprise two lock-up shops and four toilets, with separate facilities for male and female users.

She explained that the project also includes the installation of solar-powered street lights from the University gate to the roundabout, as well as perimeter fencing of the designated Bus Park.

QS. Mohammed urged the contractor to ensure that the project was executed according to the specifications in the Bill of Quantities and completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Receiving the project documents, the representative of SALSAK Integrated Services Limited, Mr. Ibrahim Audu Zhuru, thanked the University Management for entrusting the project to the company and assured that it would be delivered on schedule and in accordance with the approved specifications.

The 300-square-metre Bus Park Pavilion is designed to provide shelter and basic facilities for students, visitors and other users of the University’s Bus Park, protecting them from adverse weather conditions.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa

03/09/2026

FREEDOM250 PROGRAMME TRAINS SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN WEB DEVELOPMENT, AI

By Zainab Lawal

The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna), in collaboration with the American Window, has trained secondary school students in frontend web development, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital storytelling.

The training was organised under the four-week Freedom250 Web Development Programme, held from August 8 to September 2, 2026, at the American Window, Main Campus.

The Coordinator, American Window, Malam Isah Yahaya, said the programme was designed to expose the students to emerging technologies and equip them with relevant digital skills for the future.

During the training, participants learned HTML and CSS, the basic technologies for designing and developing webpages. They were also introduced to Google AI Studio and its applications in research, creativity, coding and digital content development.

The students also learned how to create and use GitHub accounts, a platform commonly used by developers to store, manage and showcase coding projects.

A major highlight of the programme was the development and presentation of capstone projects, which enabled the participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training.

The students developed functional websites on topics related to the Freedom250 theme, including American Companies in Nigeria and American Inventors, as well as other subjects covering American history, innovation and achievements.

The projects demonstrated the students’ ability to combine research and technology to present information in engaging digital formats.

The programme received further support with the donation of artificial intelligence textbooks to the participants by Prof. Wole Morenikeji.

The donation is expected to encourage the students to continue learning about AI and other emerging technologies beyond the programme.

The event was attended by the representative of the University Librarian, Dr Musa Baba Adamu, and other dignitaries.

In his remarks, Dr Adamu commended the organisers and facilitators for their commitment to equipping the students with practical digital skills. He also congratulated the participants for their enthusiasm and active participation throughout the programme.

As part of the closing ceremony, Dr Adamu on behalf of the University Librarian Prof. Katamba Saka, presented ₦50,000 to the facilitators and participants as a gesture of appreciation and encouragement.

He urged the students to make effective use of the knowledge acquired and continue developing their skills in technology and innovation.

Photo Credit Abdulrauf Mustapha

03/09/2026

ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT HOLDS WORKSHOP TO STRENGTHEN TEACHING, ASSESSMENT PRACTICES

By Dorothy Elaigu

The Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna), in collaboration with the Department of Science Education, has organised a one-day workshop to strengthen academic staff capacity and promote effective, student-centred teaching and assessment practices.

The workshop, held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Boardroom of the School of Environmental Technology (SET), focused on "The Empathy Edge: Empathetic Classroom and Studio Management, Ethical Assessment and Student-Centred Pedagogy for Maximising Success in Architecture Education."

Declaring the workshop open, the Head of the Department of Architecture, Prof. Muhammad Bala, emphasised the need for lecturers to understand students as individuals and recognise the academic and personal challenges they face.

Prof. Bala said effective teaching requires flexibility and responsiveness, noting that students have different learning needs, strengths and challenges.

He commended the Department of Science Education for its collaboration and expressed optimism that the workshop would enhance teaching and assessment practices in the Department of Architecture and contribute to the University’s commitment to academic excellence and global educational standards.

In his goodwill message, the Head of the Department of Science Education, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Usman, commended the Department of Architecture for organising the programme and stressed the importance of empathy, professional ethics, student-centred teaching and fair assessment.

Dr. Ahmad, who facilitated a session on "Professional Ethics in Teaching," urged lecturers to balance empathy with academic rigour. He identified competence, fairness, effective assessment, integrity and professional relationships as essential professional commitments for educators.

Other facilitators included Prof. Rabiu Bello, Professor of Science Education/Curriculum Studies, who spoke on "Pedagogical Approaches in Architectural Education"; Dr. Yaki Angwal, who addressed “Managing Classroom and Studio Learning Environments"; and Dr. Umar Bauchi, who presented "Test, Assessment and Feedback Techniques."

Dr. Mohammed Koroka facilitated a session on "Educational Psychology and Student Relations,"while Prof. Celina Gana led a practical group-work session that enabled participants to apply lessons from the workshop.

In his closing remarks, the Dean, School of Architectural Technology (SAT), Prof. A. Isah, appreciated the University Management for its continued support for academic excellence and commended the Department of Science Education for sharing its expertise.

Prof. Isah noted that the workshop had provided participants with valuable knowledge and skills and expressed optimism that similar capacity-building programmes would further strengthen the teaching and research capabilities of academic staff, particularly young lecturers.

The workshop ended with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the facilitators and certificates of participation to the attendees.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa

03/09/2026

01/09/2026

IPESS, JOSTUM, FUTMINNA COMMENCE TRAINING ON PROCUREMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL STANDARDS

By Lami Bawa

The Institute of Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards (IPESS), Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM) in collaboration with the Federal University of Technology Minna has commenced a two-week Track A short course on Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards.

The training is designed for staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at the federal and state levels.

The orientation programme was held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the CPES Hall, Bosso Campus, FUT, Minna.

Speaking at the event, the Centre Leader and Director, IPESS, Prof. Lami A. Nnamoun, represented by the Deputy Centre Leader, Procurement Standards, Prof. Simon T. Kpelai, said the programme had been extended for another three years because of its significant impact on the public and private sectors.

He said strengthening professional capacity in the public and private sectors would improve service delivery and contribute to national development.

Prof. Kpelai appreciated the Federal Government, World Bank, FUTMinna, facilitators, participants and other stakeholders for their support, and urged participants to take full advantage of the training.

The Academic Programme Coordinator, Dr. Peter Tsue, said the programme was introduced to strengthen Nigeria's procurement system and improve capacity in environmental and social standards.
He noted that Nigeria's vast development potential could only be fully realised through a competent and professional workforce.

According to him, strong social standards promote good governance, improve project outcomes and build public trust, while effective environmental standards are essential for sustainable development.

Dr. Tsue also identified procurement as an area vulnerable to corruption, stressing the need for professionalism, competence and strict adherence to established standards.

Speaking virtually, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Prof. Simon A. Shomkegh, explained that the short courses were designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to become professionals in their respective areas.

He added that certification would be provided by the relevant government agencies, including the Bureau of Public Procurement for Procurement Standards, the Ministry of Environment for Environmental Standards, and the Ministry of Women Affairs for Social Standards.

The Director-General, Niger State Procurement Board, Mallam Abubakar Danjuma Mohammed, commended the Federal Government, World Bank and organisers for providing the training opportunity.

He said the programme would strengthen procurement practices and related professional standards in Niger State, urging participants to remain focused, learn actively and share knowledge.

Delivering the message of the Vice-Chancellor, FUTMinna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the State Training Coordinator and Director, DCAL, FUT, Minna, Prof. Israel K. Olayemi, assured participants of the University's full support for the programme and future collaborations.
Prof. Olayemi expressed satisfaction with the partnership between FUT, Minna and JOSTUM, noting that the collaboration had facilitated the training of hundreds of participants.

He urged participants to take the training seriously and thanked the managements of FUT, Minna and JOSTUM, the World Bank, NUC and participating federal and state MDAs for their support and commitment.

Also present at the orientation was the State Coordinator, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mr. Egigogo Aliyu Muhammad.

27/08/2026

134TH INAUGURAL LECTURE: PROF AJAYI ADVOCATES ETHICAL SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES

By Zainab Lawal

Prof. Jimoh Richard Ajayi has called for stronger ethical standards, effective communication and sustainable practices to address the challenges confronting Nigeria’s construction industry.

Prof. Ajayi made the call while delivering the 134th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), titled “The Nigerian Construction Industry Ideology and Praxis in Pursuit of Grice’s Maxims and Sustainable Practices.” The lecture was held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the University Auditorium, Main Campus.

The Professor of Construction Management identified fragmentation, corruption, weak regulatory oversight, preference for lowest-price bids, poor communication and limited adoption of technology as major challenges affecting the industry.

He said short-term thinking, weak collaboration, contractual complexities and excessive focus on project output rather than long-term value were also undermining effective project delivery.

Prof. Ajayi stressed the importance of ethics in professional practice, warning that expediency should not take precedence over professionalism. He also applied Grice’s Maxims of quantity, quality, relation and manner to construction communication, noting that professionals must provide adequate information, communicate truthfully, remain relevant and ensure clarity.

According to him, effective communication would promote transparency, trust and collaboration while reducing disputes, inefficiency and project failures.

On sustainability, Prof. Ajayi urged stakeholders to move beyond short-term profit and adopt practices that meet present needs without compromising future generations. He advocated energy efficiency, emissions reduction, responsible resource use, recycling and the increased use of local materials and labour.

He identified weak enforcement and slow adoption of sustainability policies as major obstacles, calling for stronger policies, innovation, new skills, integrated lifecycle approaches and greater collaboration among stakeholders.

The lecturer also raised concerns over quackery in the construction industry, warning that it posed serious risks to public safety and building quality. He called for stronger enforcement by professional bodies, continuous professional development, public awareness and the blacklisting of erring professionals.

Prof. Ajayi further advocated improved communication channels, training for site workers and the use of diverse communication tools to enhance information flow among construction professionals and other stakeholders.

He called for increased participation of women in the industry through early career guidance, mentorship, equal employment opportunities, skills development and career advancement.

On housing, he identified inadequate consideration of women, limited user participation in governance decisions and restricted access to mortgage finance as issues requiring attention. He advocated improved urban planning standards and stronger commitment to sustainable housing.

In his recommendations, Prof. Ajayi called for the establishment of a Construction Industry Development Board, stronger research-practice collaboration, improved policies on sustainable construction and the adoption of a systems approach to construction. He also urged professionals to practise within their areas of competence.

He concluded that Nigeria’s construction industry must become more ethical, efficient and sustainable to effectively support national development.

Speaking after the lecture, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, commended Prof. Ajayi for delivering a timely and thought-provoking lecture. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to research, innovation and professional development aimed at addressing national challenges.

Prof. Kuta congratulated the lecturer on the successful delivery of the 134th Inaugural Lecture and expressed confidence that the ideas presented would stimulate further research and practical interventions in Nigeria’s construction and built-environment sectors.

27/08/2026

FUTMINNA RECEIVES NUC TEAM FOR RESOURCE VERIFICATION OF THREE PROGRAMMES

By Lami Bawa

The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), has received a team from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for a resource assessment and verification exercise for three programmes: B.Tech. Agricultural Science Education, B.Tech. Computer Science Education and B.Tech. Financial Technology Education.

The visit took place today. Thursday 27, 2026 at the Academic Publishing Centre, Main Campus.

The NUC team, led by Prof. Isaac Butswat, said the exercise is aimed at assessing the adequacy and suitability of the human and material resources available for the programmes. He explained that the assessment would determine whether the resources are sufficient to support quality university education and produce graduates capable of competing effectively in a rapidly changing world.

He noted that, as a leading technology university in Nigeria, FUT, Minna has an important role to play in the nation’s technological advancement through quality teaching, cutting-edge research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

In his response, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, appreciated the NUC team for undertaking the exercise and commended the Commission for making peer review an important aspect of quality assurance in universities.

Prof. Kuta said the exercise would provide the University with an opportunity to identify areas for improvement in the programmes and the institution as a whole. He assured the team that the relevant schools and departments were prepared to provide all required documents and information.

The exercise was attended by principal officers of the University, Deans of the programmes under review, Heads of Departments and members of the NUC assessment team.

Members of the assessment team include Prof. Isaac Butswat, NUC Abuja (Team Lead/Agricultural Science Education); Mrs. Ukaego Maureen, NUC Representative; Prof. Munzali Abana, Modibbo Adama University, Yola (Financial Technology Education); Mrs. Habiba Jubril, NUC Representative; Mr. Aliyu Dansabo, NUC Representative; Prof. Okure Obet, University of Uyo (Computer Science Education); Mr. Oyetunji Daniel, NUC Representative; and Mrs. Hindu Kabir M., NUC Representative.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa

21/08/2026