***119 to Graduate with First-Class Degrees
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, is set to deliver the 33rd Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, Niger State, on Friday, February 1, 2025. The convocation ceremony, which coincides with the university’s 42nd Founder’s Day, will see the graduation of 5,816 students on Saturday, February 2, at the Suleimanu Kumo Convocation Square, Main Campus.
Announcing this at the Gidan Kwanu Main Campus on Tuesday, Vice-Chancellor Professor Farouq Adamu Kuta disclosed that among the graduating students, 119 will receive First-Class degrees, 1,431 will graduate with Second-Class Upper, 2,341 with Second-Class Lower, 972 with Third-Class, and 92 with a Pass.
As part of his visit, the Speaker will also commission key infrastructural projects, including:
The Central Workshop and Foundry Complex – a hub for innovation and manufacturing.
The Architectural Studio – a state-of-the-art learning space for architecture students.
A New Student Hostel – funded by TETFund.
Professor Kuta further emphasized that graduating students will receive their original certificates on the convocation day and can request copies of their transcripts.
The Vice-Chancellor announced that Honorary Doctorate degrees will be conferred on distinguished Nigerians who have made remarkable contributions to society. However, he did not disclose their names.
Highlighting the university’s achievements under his leadership, Professor Kuta noted that,
All academic programs have received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
Thirteen new academic programs have been introduced, aligning with contemporary societal and global needs.
Over 30 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed and activated with institutions both locally and internationally.
The university has fully implemented e-learning to enhance teaching and learning delivery.
Acknowledging the shortage of hostel accommodation as a major challenge, the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu (Sardauna Minna), the BUA Group of Companies, and TETFund for their interventions in improving student housing.
On staff development, he revealed that:
94 study fellowships have been awarded.
112 staff members were sponsored to workshops and conferences.
74 staff were promoted to the ranks of Professor and Associate Professor.
87 staff were promoted to other ranks, along with 174 senior non-teaching staff and 34 junior staff.
Professor Kuta lauded the dedication of staff, diligence of students, and support from the university community, stating, “Our success is a testament to collective efforts.”
The convocation and Founder’s Day celebrations commenced on Friday with special Jummat prayers at the central mosques in Bosso and Gidan Kwano campuses. A special interdenominational church service was also held on Sunday at the Chapel of Grace in both campuses.
The grand ceremony on Saturday is expected to draw dignitaries, academia, and well-wishers as FUT Minna celebrates another milestone in its history.