What students learn in classrooms at FUT Minna may soon scale into real farms, research hubs and job-ready skills.
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), has secured a ₦1 billion TETFund Agricultural Commercial Farm Grant, placing the institution among 10 universities nationwide selected for the initiative.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Kuta, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists ahead of the university’s 34th Convocation Ceremonies and 43rd Founders’ Day celebration.
According to him, the grant is expected to strengthen hands-on agricultural training and research, moving learning beyond theory.
“The University secured a ₦1bn TETFund Agricultural Commercial Farm Grant,” Kuta said.
Beyond agriculture, the university also attracted two major international research grants in 2025.
These include a $3 million ICT Development grant from Agence Française de Développement and a £15,000 Open Access Books grant from the United Kingdom.
For students interested in health-related programmes, Kuta announced the establishment of a College of Medical Sciences and Health Technology, fully approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He said pioneer students of the college began academic activities in the 2025/2026 session.
As part of its convocation activities, the university will graduate 5,297 students on February 1, 2026, across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
A breakdown shows 4,438 First Degree graduates, 73 Postgraduate Diplomas, 633 Master’s Degrees, and 153 Doctorate Degrees (PhDs).
Among the First Degree graduates are 111 First Class, 1,525 Second Class Upper, 2,134 Second Class Lower, 631 Third Class, and 37 Pass Degrees.
“These achievements brought to light our unwavering commitment to academic excellence despite prevailing challenges,” Kuta said.
Responding to concerns about student housing, the vice chancellor said the university continues to address accommodation challenges, appreciating philanthropists who have supported students in securing lodging.
He also clarified that the Sunday, February 1, 2026 convocation date was chosen to coincide with the institution’s 43rd Founders’ Day, not to undermine religious observances.
Beyond FUT Minna, Kuta referenced a broader push for research funding.
In August, the Federal Government approved ₦4.25 billion for 158 research projects under the TETFund National Research Fund 2024 Grant Cycle.
For students, the takeaway is clear: when funding meets training, classrooms can turn into production spaces — and learning into livelihood
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.