President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that no nation can achieve sustainable growth without deliberate and consistent investment in its youths, stressing that financial limitations should not deny Nigerians access to quality education.
The President made the remarks on Sunday at the 34th Convocation Ceremony and 43rd Founders’ Day of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna. He was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id-Ahmad.
Tinubu noted that FUT Minna has, over the past 43 years, distinguished itself as a centre of excellence in science, engineering innovation and applied research, contributing significantly to national development.
He said the Federal Government has expanded access to education through targeted investments in infrastructure and the implementation of the student loan scheme aimed at supporting students from less-privileged backgrounds.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Farouk Kuta, described the ceremony as a celebration of resilience, creativity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of knowledge and service to humanity.
Kuta disclosed that the institution recorded remarkable progress in the past year, emerging as the seventh best university in Nigeria and the highest-ranked specialised university. He added that FUT Minna is currently ranked among the top 10 universities in the country and 68th in Africa.
According to him, the university’s strategic expansion reflects its mandate as a technology-driven institution focused on solving societal challenges, particularly in the training of healthcare professionals and medical technologists.
The Vice-Chancellor also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to staff welfare and merit, announcing the promotion of over 146 senior non-teaching staff and 110 junior staff, alongside the confirmation of appointments for 22 staff members.
“Additionally, the university renovated its clinic and sports complex to create a more enabling environment for staff and students,” he said.
He urged graduating students to embrace their new roles as alumni and solution providers to societal challenges.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Mohammed Santuraki, commended President Tinubu’s reforms, noting that they align with national development goals. He also praised Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, for donating N100 million toward the construction of a female hostel for medical students.
Santuraki lauded the Vice-Chancellor’s prudent management of resources and encouraged graduates to serve as worthy ambassadors of the university.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, the overall best graduating student from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Koter Oluwadamilola, described the achievement as a testament to perseverance, faith and unity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 5,297 students graduated from FUT Minna during the 2024/2025 academic session.