Federal University of Technology, Minna

04/06/2026

FUTMINNA COMMISSIONS CENTRAL STORE, UNVEILS SSANU VEHICLE

By Abdullahi Danbakaba

The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), has commissioned a newly constructed Central Store for the Bursary Department and unveiled a new vehicle acquired by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), FUTMINNA Branch, in a ceremony held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the University's Main Campus.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Central Store, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, described the occasion as a significant milestone for the University, particularly for the Bursary Department. He commended the contractor for delivering the project within the agreed timeframe and expressed satisfaction with the quality of work executed.

The Vice-Chancellor also lauded the Bursar, Dr. Hadiza Goje, for her dedication and commitment towards the successful completion of the facility.

Earlier, the Director of Physical Planning and Development Unit (PPDU), QS. A'isha Mohammed, explained that the facility comprises a spacious store room, four offices, including two ensuite offices, and two additional convenience facilities for staff use. She commended the contractor for ensuring quality service delivery and adherence to project specifications.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Engr. Abdullahi Mohammed, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his commitment to infrastructural development across the University and urged the end-users to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilization of the facility.

On behalf of the Bursary Department, the Deputy Bursar, Mrs. Rebecca Adams, expressed gratitude to the University Management for providing the facility and assured that it would be judiciously utilized.

The Central Store is expected to serve as a secure storage facility for University documents, laboratory equipment, furniture, and other valuable items under the custody of the Bursary Department.

In a related development, the Vice-Chancellor unveiled a newly acquired vehicle by SSANU, FUTMINNA Branch. He noted that the vehicle would enhance the mobility of the union's executives, reduce operational costs, and further strengthen union activities within the University.

Presenting the vehicle for commissioning, the Chairman of SSANU, FUTMINNA Branch, Comrade Stephen Edward, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support to the union. He assured that the vehicle would be responsibly managed and utilized for the benefit of members and the wider University community.

Photo Credit Abdulrahuf Mustapha

03/06/2026

FUTMINNA STRENGTHENS RESEARCH CAPACITY WITH INTERNATIONAL GRANTS WORKSHOP

By Lami Bawa

The Directorate for Research, Innovation and Development (DRID), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), has organised a two-day capacity-building workshop for academic staff and postgraduate students on securing international collaborative research funding and grants.

The workshop, titled "Strengthening International Collaborative Research Funding and Grants," was held from June 1-2, 2026, at the SICT Lecture Theatre, Main Campus.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the Chairman of the Research Project Appraisal Committee (RPAC), Prof. Helmina O. Akanya, described grant acquisition as critical to addressing societal challenges, enhancing institutional visibility, and improving university rankings.

She noted that the programme was designed to equip researchers with the skills needed to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and attract national and international grants.

Earlier, the Director of DRID, Prof. Chiemela Enyinnaya Chinma, said the workshop was aimed at strengthening research capacity, improving the University's global visibility, and increasing the success rate of grant applications through international collaboration.

He acknowledged the University's progress in attracting research grants while emphasising the need for sustained efforts.

The facilitator, Prof. Oghenekaro Nelson Odume of Rhodes University, South Africa, delivered presentations on developing successful collaborative research projects and writing winning grant proposals.

He highlighted the importance of innovation, strong partnerships, effective project implementation, risk management, sustainability planning, and stakeholder engagement in securing competitive research funding.

Prof. Odume also stressed the need for projects to generate measurable impacts on society, the environment, the economy, and scientific advancement.

In her vote of thanks, Prof. Akanya commended DRID for organising the workshop, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor's commitment to research development, and expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would enhance participants' ability to attract more competitive research grants for the University.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa

26/05/2026

THE VICE-CHANCELLOR EXTENDS EID EL-KABIR GREETINGS

26/05/2026

FUTMINNA MAKES BOLD MOVE FOR NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY, SIGNS MOU WITH NAEC

By Mustapha Alhassan

In a strategic move aligned with the Federal Government's nuclear energy initiative, the Federal University of Technology, Minna has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) to foster indigenous capacity in nuclear science and engineering.

The well attended ceremony where both parties signed the agreement took place at the Commissions Head Office, Asokoro, Abuja, on Monday, May 25, 2026.

In his remarks at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta disclosed that the choice of NAEC for the partnership was in tandem with the mission statement of FUT, Minna, which aims to harness indigenous resources for national development.

Prof. Kuta emphasised that, through the collaboration, the university hopes to gain from the knowledge and skills of NAEC staff, in addition to enriching its curriculum.

He assured that the University has a vibrant workforce that will leave no stone unturned in actualising the MoU, further expressing the hope that Nigeria's energy challenges will be solved through the development of indigenous capacity.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, NAEC, Engr Dr. Anthony Ekedegwa, said the commission, which was established in 1976, has collaborated with universities for training and development for the peaceful use of nuclear energy as part of its mandate.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would help NAEC in delivering on the training of 2000 nuclear scientists and engineers as mandated by the Federal Government, noting that the challenges of offshore training, as well as the scarcity of nuclear scientists have necessitated the development of indigenous capacity.

The Chairman reaffirmed that the Commission has, in addition to state-of-the-art facilities, qualified manpower that can deliver the training component of the agreement.

He said there is the need for both parties to continue to engage in view of their common interest in the uplift of nuclear energy in Nigeria, while assuring that the Commission remains open and willing to work with the University for the common good of the country.

Speaking on the benefits of the MoU, NAEC's Head of International Cooperation, Engr Awwal Bisallah stressed the need for Nigeria to move fast as the world has gone far ahead on nuclear energy.

Engr Bisallah who is an alumnus of FUT, Minna added that , the MoU, if pursued, can lecturers international exposure, enable them earn additional income, on addition to optimised utilisation of the state-of-the-art equipment at Sheda. Abuja. Maintaining that the collaboration is a win-win for both parties, he underscored the need to follow it through.

The University's Director of Collaboration, Affiliation and Linkages, Prof. Israel Olayemi who gave an overview of the MoU said the agreement took cognisance of viability of the collaboration, while thanking the leadership of both bodies for their support.

Earlier, the Head of Department, Nuclear Engineering, Prof. Abdulsalami Kovo, informed the gathering that the University Management has keyed into the Federal Government's agenda of peaceful use of nuclear technology by introduced two new programmes - Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Science.
During the occasion, the University delegation was informed that many FUT, Minna alumni are occupying key positions in the Commission.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kuta; the Registrar, Mallam Danladi Mallam and the Director, DCAL Prof.Israel Olayemi signed the document on behalf of the University, while the Agency.Chairman, Dr Ekedegwa; the Engr. Justine K. Salu, Director of Research and Nuclear Infrastructure Development and Engr. Mustapha Tajudeen, Director, Nuclear Technology Centre appended their signature for NAEC.

The collaboration covers staff exchange, access to facilities, collaborative research, joint supervision of students, and provision of platform for bench work, staff and student training and postdoctoral fellowship, amongst others. With an initial term of five years, the agreement is renewable based on mutual consent.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa

25/05/2026

AL-HALAL COOPERATIVE RAISES MEMBERS’ MONTHLY SAVINGS, RECORDS ₦1.5BN CAPITAL BASE

By Abdullahi Danbakaba

The Al-halal Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) has approved a new minimum monthly savings structure for members as part of efforts to strengthen its financial capacity and improve service delivery.

The decision was reached unanimously during the Society’s 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Centre for Preliminary and Extra-Mural Studies (CPES), Bosso Campus.
Under the new arrangement, junior staff members will contribute a minimum of ₦10,000 monthly, while senior staff members will contribute ₦20,000 monthly beginning from June 2026.

Speaking at the meeting, the President of the Society, Dr. A.A. Rafiu, announced a capital base of ₦1.53 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing an increase from the ₦1.37 billion recorded in 2024.

He disclosed that the Society also realized a surplus of ₦54.7 million within the period under review, while its reserve fund stood at ₦55.2 million.

On infrastructure development, Dr. Rafiu reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to completing its ongoing hostel project at the University’s Main Campus under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. According to him, over ₦141 million has already been invested in the project with efforts underway to ensure its completion before the next academic session.

The President further revealed that the Society disbursed loans worth over ₦722 million to members through various loan schemes including cash, material, emergency and housing loans.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Society also spent over ₦1.3 million on support for indigent students, orphanage homes and inmates of the Minna Correctional Centre.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Faruk Adamu Kuta, the Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. A.N. Sa’idu, commended the leadership of the Society for its contributions to staff welfare and institutional development, describing the cooperative as a pacesetter among cooperative societies.

He noted that the Society had positively impacted both its members and the wider university community, urging its executives to sustain transparency and accountability in managing its affairs.

Presenting the financial report, the Financial Secretary, Prof. J.O. Tijani, disclosed that 1,626 members benefited from the Society’s loan schemes during the period under review, adding that dividends for the year stood at ₦39.99 per ₦1,000 share.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee, Prof. A.O. Salako, praised the Executive Committee for prudent management, especially in loan disbursement and financial administration.

The AGM featured goodwill messages from representatives of the University Management, Niger State Cooperative Societies, Haruna Yahaya & Co, and the Ethical Industrial Multipurpose Society of the National Examinations Council (NECO).

25/05/2026

FUTMINNA, KAIROS HOF NIGERIA LTD PARTNER ON 2,000-BED STUDENT HOSTEL PROJECT

By Lami Bawa

The Federal University of Technology, Minna, has entered into a partnership with Kairos Hof Nigeria Limited for the construction of a 2,000-bed space hostel accommodation for students under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held on Monday, May 25, 2026 at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, Main Campus.

Giving an overview of the agreement, the Director of Public Private Partnership, FUT Minna, Dr. Jonathan E. Adama disclosed that the project followed a series of meetings and deliberations between both parties.

He explained that the hostel project is expected to be completed within 36 months, while Kairos Hof Nigeria Limited will manage and maintain the facilities for a fixed period of 21 years before transferring ownership to the University.

Speaking on behalf of the company, the Managing Director of Kairos Hof Nigeria Limited, Abdulrahman Dasuki, said the partnership was aimed at supporting the University through the provision of quality accommodation for students. He noted that the company was proud to give back to the institution that contributed to their growth and development.

Responding on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Engr. Prof. Abdullahi Mohammed, commended the alumni driven initiative, describing alumni as critical stakeholders in the growth and advancement of tertiary institutions.
He observed that the hostel project would help address accommodation challenges as the university continues to expand its academic programmes and student population.

He further urged the company to ensure timely completion of the project and expressed optimism that the collaboration would open doors for more partnerships between the university and the company.

25/05/2026

21/05/2026

RISING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES THREATEN UNIVERSITY PRODUCTIVITY - UTHMAN

By Abdullahi Danbakaba

Concerns have been raised over the increasing rate of mental health challenges affecting staff and students in Nigerian universities, possing a serious threat to productivity, learning and national development.

This was the focus of a public lecture titled “Mental Health Challenges in Nigerian Universities: Remedies for Improved Productivity and Healthy Living,” delivered by medical and occupational health expert, Dr. Taofeek Adegoke Uthman on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the University’s Auditorium, Main Campus, Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Speaking during the lecture, Dr. Uthman who currently serves in dual capacity at Baze University, Abuja as a lecturer in the Department of Community Medicine and Public Health and as Chief Medical Officer and Director of Administration at Baze University Hospital (BUH), revealed that more than 20 million Nigerians are currently living with mental health challenges, while over 76 per cent of university students have experienced one form of mental health difficulty during their academic journey.

According to him, stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional exhaustion have become common within tertiary institutions due to academic pressure, financial hardship, inadequate infrastructure, workplace stress, and social expectations.

He noted that overcrowded classrooms, delayed salaries, poor welfare systems, job insecurity, excessive workloads, and prolonged industrial actions have further contributed to making Nigerian universities high risk environments for mental health disorders.

Dr. Uthman identified persistent fatigue, sleep disorders, irritability, social withdrawal, poor concentration and loss of motivation as some of the early warning signs of mental distress, stressing that untreated mental health challenges negatively affect academic performance, service delivery and institutional productivity.

The expert advocated a multi-level intervention involving individuals, university managements, government and development partners in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Three (SDG 3) on good health and wellbeing.

He recommended the establishment of dedicated mental health support units in universities, improved counselling services, safer workplace policies and stronger support systems for staff and students.

Dr. Uthman also encouraged entrepreneurship and income diversification as practical ways of reducing financial stress among workers and students, noting that financial instability remains one of the major causes of stress and burnout in universities.

On healthy living, he advised participants to adopt regular exercise, adequate sleep, meditation, stress management practices and healthy lifestyle habits to improve mental wellbeing.

He further urged individuals experiencing prolonged stress, panic attacks, or hopelessness to seek professional help immediately, emphasising that mental health challenges should never be seen as a sign of weakness.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Faruk Adamu Kuta said the lecture was organised to sensitise University staff on the need to address mental health challenges for effective service delivery.
He observed that mental health issues cut across all sectors of society and therefore require collective efforts and sustained interventions.

Prof. Kuta commended Dr. Uthman for what he described as an insightful and timely presentation and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to staff welfare and a healthy workplace culture.

The event also featured the presentation of a certificate and plaque to Dr. Uthman in recognition of his contributions to mental health advocacy and knowledge advancement within the University community.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa

21/05/2026

FUTMINNA HOSTS CAREER FAIR 2.0, ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO BUILD FUTURE-READY CAREERS

By Lami Bawa

The Career Development Centre of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) has hosted the second edition of its Career Fair 2.0 aimed at equipping students with employability skills, mentorship opportunities and industry connections needed to build successful careers.

The event, themed “Beyond the Horizon: Chart Your Course, Turning Opportunities into Impact,” was held on Wednesday, 20th May, 2026 at the NCC Hall and Entrepreneurship Centre, Main Campus.

The Career Fair featured career talks by industry experts, alumni mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, inter-school debate competition as well as the induction and oath-taking ceremony for newly screened volunteers of the Career Development Centre.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the Career Development Centre, Caroline O. Alenoghena said the Centre remains committed to preparing students for the world of work through career-focused programmes and initiatives.

She noted that beyond the annual Career Fair, the Centre has organised several workshops on job readiness and employability skills for undergraduate and graduating students.
Prof. Alenoghena encouraged students to maximise opportunities available within their schools and departments in order to make a meaningful impact in society.

According to her, students must learn to network effectively, chart their career paths strategically, and take advantage of internship and job opportunities regularly shared through the Centre’s communication platforms.

The hybrid event attracted alumni and industry partners who shared practical insights on career growth, leadership and professional development.

Representing Palstry Farms International Company Limited, the Human Resource Manager, Mr. Adewale Oyedeji urged students to improve their soft skills, emotional intelligence and accountability, stressing that technical knowledge combined with soft skills remains essential for career success.

He also encouraged participants to build strong digital footprints, take initiatives and become solution providers in their respective fields.

Other speakers at the event advised students to seek mentorship, identify opportunities, build meaningful connections and embrace volunteering opportunities provided by the institution.
Some of the organisations and partners represented at the event included Lotus Bank, Enterprise Business-T2 Mobile, Solid Bird Engineering, Tanda Venture Studio, Binarify Engineering, Ashmad Natural Cosmetics, P3 Consulting Limited and alumni of the University.

In her goodwill message, the Deputy Director of the Career Development Centre, Prof. Muibat D. Yahya appreciated the guest speakers, students and staff of the Centre for contributing to the success of the programme.

She expressed optimism that participants had been inspired and encouraged the industry partners to sustain their collaboration with the Centre.

The event also featured an inter-school debate competition on the topic, “Which School Truly Stands Out Above the Rest.” The School of Infrastructure, Process Engineering and Technology (SIPET) emerged winner, while the School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT) came second. The School of Electrical Engineering and Technology (SEET) and the School of Life Sciences (SLS) tied for third position.

Winners of the competition received cash prizes, while newly inducted volunteers of the Career Development Centre took their oath of service during the ceremony.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa