The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) marked a historic milestone on Saturday, February 1, 2025, as it held its 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd Convocation Ceremony at the Gidan Kwano campus. The event saw the graduation of 5,816 students, alongside significant donations and honorary awards to distinguished individuals.
During the ceremony, Governor Muhammad Bago of Niger State announced a ₦100 million donation to the university’s endowment fund, an initiative launched by Senator Muhammad Musa, who represents Niger East Senatorial District. Bago encouraged FUT Minna’s management to continue its leadership in training and research, urging stronger collaboration with the state government to help the university become self-sustaining through agriculture.
The governor, who was conferred with an honorary doctorate in agriculture, described the award as a call to do more in advancing the agricultural sector. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making education accessible to every citizen and pledged to continue working with stakeholders to support learning and innovation in the state.
Alongside Bago, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State was honored with a doctorate in entrepreneurship, while Senator Muhammad Musa received a doctorate in technology. Governor Sani commended FUT Minna for its contributions to technological education and praised Governor Bago for his visionary leadership in transforming Niger State.
In another major announcement, Senator Musa donated ₦200 million to the university, expressing gratitude for the recognition and reaffirming his support for the New Niger Agenda. He also highlighted the importance of the tax reform bill, which aims to generate more funding for tertiary education in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, FUT Minna Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Kuta, described the occasion as historic, celebrating four decades of excellence in science, engineering, technology, and innovation. He proudly announced that the institution had been ranked 8th best university in Nigeria and 2nd among specialized universities. He reassured that FUT Minna would maintain its high academic standards and appreciated Governor Bago’s intervention in providing student hostel accommodation.
A total of 5,816 students graduated from the 2023/2024 academic session, comprising:
- 4,955 undergraduates
- 632 Master’s degree holders
- 105 postgraduate diploma recipients
- 124 PhD graduates
The convocation was a moment of celebration, generosity, and recognition, highlighting FUT Minna’s continued excellence in education and research while strengthening ties with key stakeholders in government and beyond.