Minna, Niger State
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that a nation’s development is inextricably linked to deliberate and sustained investment in its youth, stressing that access to quality education should not be constrained by financial limitations.
The President made the remarks during the 34th Convocation Ceremony and 43rd Founders’ Day of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, held on Sunday. He was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id-Ahmad.
“Young people are the backbone of national development,” Tinubu said. “A nation cannot make meaningful progress if its youths are not empowered through education, skills, and opportunities. My administration is committed to ensuring that no student is denied quality education due to lack of funds.”
He highlighted his government’s efforts to expand educational access through targeted infrastructure investments and the implementation of the student loan scheme, aimed at reducing financial barriers for students across Nigeria.
President Tinubu also commended FUT Minna for its 43-year legacy of excellence in science, engineering, innovation, and applied research, noting that the institution has consistently contributed to national development.
At the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Farouk Kuta described the convocation as a celebration of the FUT Minna community’s resilience, creativity, and commitment to advancing knowledge and serving humanity.
Prof. Kuta highlighted the university’s recent achievements, including:
- Ranking as the seventh best university in Nigeria, and the highest-ranked specialised university in the country.
- Being placed among the top 10 universities in Nigeria and 68th in Africa.
He explained that these accomplishments reflect FUT Minna’s strategic expansion as a technology-driven university focused on addressing societal challenges, particularly in healthcare, medical technology, and applied research.
The Vice-Chancellor also detailed measures to support staff welfare and meritocracy, reporting that over 146 senior non-teaching staff and 110 junior staff were promoted, while 22 staff appointments were confirmed. Additionally, key facilities, including the university clinic and sports complex, were renovated to enhance the learning and working environment.
Prof. Kuta urged the graduating students to view their convocation as a transition from learners to solution providers, encouraging them to become ambassadors of the university’s values as they enter professional life.
Also speaking, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Mohammed Santuraki, praised President Tinubu for reforms that he said are laying the foundation for sustainable national growth. He noted that the council fully supports the administration’s vision for national development.
Dr Santuraki also commended Niger State Governor Umar Bago for donating ₦100 million towards the construction of a female hostel for medical students, describing it as a significant contribution to improving educational infrastructure. He further lauded the Vice-Chancellor for prudent management of university resources, urging graduates to uphold the institution’s values in their careers.
The overall best graduating student, Koter Oluwadamilola from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, described the convocation as a testament to perseverance, faith, and unity throughout their academic journey.
In total, 5,297 students graduated from FUT Minna in the 2024/2025 academic session, marking another milestone in the university’s mission to train highly skilled professionals capable of driving innovation and national development.
The convocation highlighted a key message from President Tinubu: empowering youth through education, innovation, and opportunity is central to national progress. With continued investment in universities like FUT Minna, Nigeria aims to develop a generation of skilled professionals and innovators ready to tackle the country’s technological, scientific, and socio-economic challenges.
As the graduates embark on the next phase of their lives, the ceremony underscores the importance of education as a driver of national growth and the role of government, institutions, and stakeholders in ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the potential of Nigeria’s youth.