The Federal University of Technology Babura (FUTB), Jigawa State, has launched a Town and Gown Committee to deepen collaboration between the institution and its host community — a move the university says is already speeding up its growth.
Although established just three years ago, FUTB has become a key part of the federal government’s push to strengthen science and technology education. The university began lectures in 2022 with 13 programmes across engineering, computing and the sciences, including cybersecurity and software engineering.
In an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ibrahim Sabo Birnin-Kudu said the new committee brings university staff and community representatives together to identify Babura’s needs and find practical solutions.
“Our goal isn’t just financial support,” he explained. “We are offering free trainings and other interventions so the community can benefit directly from our presence.”
Despite its young age, FUTB is building steadily. Three schools — Applied Sciences, Computing, and Engineering — are already running, supported by a library, IT centre and security office. The institution currently operates from a temporary site provided by the Jigawa government, but construction of a permanent campus is ongoing.
Staff strength has risen to 401 across academic and non-academic units, while student enrolment has continued to grow, underscoring FUTB’s rising influence in technological education.
To expand access, the VC revealed that the university will launch a remedial programme in January 2026. The one-year programme will help students who fall below direct entry requirements strengthen their science and technology foundation.
“Once they complete the remedial course and meet JAMB conditions, admission is guaranteed,” he assured.
Prof. Sabo noted that FUTB’s mission is strongly tied to solving real local problems. “We are identifying the needs of the community and designing scientific solutions that can make life better,” he said.
The university has also established partnerships with government agencies, private organisations and international institutions. Recent MOUs include collaborations with the Centre for Atmospheric Research in Kogi, Maryam Abacha University, and universities in Malaysia.
FUTB is beginning to record early research wins too. A staff member recently secured a TETFund grant for solar energy research, while two engineering students ranked fourth and fifth nationally with their smart agriculture innovation.
On inclusivity, the VC highlighted ongoing efforts to support female students in STEM. “More than 10 per cent of our 2,500+ students are female. In the latest batch, 87 out of 800 are women. We follow JAMB’s open admission policy to close the gender gap,” he said.
While challenges such as funding, infrastructure and accommodation persist, the VC emphasised that FUTB is pushing forward as the only federal university of technology in the North-West.
“This institution is crucial for building the human capital Jigawa and Nigeria need,” he said, appealing to philanthropists to support its growth.
— Punch
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