The Federal University of Technology Minna, in Niger State, North Central Nigeria, is set to graduate 7,312 students for two academic sessions.
The Vice Chancellor Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta stated this during a press briefing for the 31st and 32nd combined convocation ceremony of the University in Minna, the state capital.
He revealed that 3,867 students successfully graduated in the 2020/2021 academic year, while 3,445 graduated in the 2022/2023 academic year.
“This brings the total to 7,312 graduates who will be conferred with first degrees, along with 120 postgraduate diplomas, 955 master’s degrees, and 150 doctorate degrees,” he explained.
Professor Kuta added that in the 2020/2021 academic session, there were 71 first-class honors, 1,091 second-class upper honors, 1,916 second-class lower honors, 767 third-class honors, and 22 pass degrees.
In the 2022/2023 academic session, there were 116 first-class honors, 1,099 second-class upper honors, 1,494 second-class lower honors, 716 third-class honors, and 20 pass degrees.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted significant staff development efforts made in the past two years, including the promotion of 54 professors, 144 non-academic staff, 441 senior non-teaching staff, and 361 junior staff.
He further stated that with a staff strength of 2,385 and a student population of 26,051, the university’s programmes have attained full National University Commission (NUC)accreditation status.
While emphasizing the University’s commitment to academic excellence, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta explained that “the combined convocation, scheduled to commence on January 26th, 2024, will be marked by a series of activities reflecting the university’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
“This includes religious, academic, and sports events, such as special Juma prayers, a church service, and the final ceremony of the Chancellor’s Cup football competition.
He added that “a notable aspect of the convocation is the lecture titled ‘The Power of Vision and Innovative Technology: The Key to Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Africa,’ to be delivered by Professor John Kennedy Obara. The university underscores its commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through knowledge and innovation.”
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted completed projects to be commissioned, including the African Center of Excellence for Mycotoxins and Food Safety Building, showcasing the institution’s resilience and commitment to infrastructure development despite funding challenges.
“Despite facing challenges, the university successfully transformed its pedagogy by integrating student-centered methodologies and embracing online platforms for teaching and examinations. This adaptation has proven highly efficient in managing large classes and addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Professor Kuta added.
The VC also highlighted the university’s research endeavors, attracting significant funding of ₦844,597,376.75 in global and national research sponsorship with collaborations and affiliations with institutions worldwide, as outlined in Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), fostering international partnerships.
He said infrastructure development projects, completed and set for commissioning, reflect the university’s determination to overcome funding challenges.
“The remodeling of the entrance gate and the construction of essential facilities demonstrates the institution’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment.”
As the university celebrates these milestones, the Vice-Chancellor expresses gratitude to all who have contributed to its success. Graduates are reminded of the university’s tradition to collect their certificates immediately after the convocation, symbolizing the culmination of their academic journey.
