Governor Muhammad Bago of Niger State has donated N100 million to the Federal University of Technology Minna (FUT Minna) endowment fund created by the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Muhammad Musa.
Bago announced the donation at the 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd Convocation Ceremony of the institution, held at the University campus, Gidan Kwano, on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
The governor enjoined the management of FUT Minna to continue taking a leadership role in terms of training and innovative research while advocating for stronger ties with the state government to ensure that FUT sustains itself through agriculture.
Governor Bago, who was conferred with a doctorate in agriculture by FUT Minna, noted that the award is a call for him to do more in the agricultural sector while restating his administration’s resolve to collaborate with individuals as Niger State remains poised to continue its strides in making education available to every citizen.
Bago was conferred with the award alongside his counterpart, the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, who was conferred with a doctorate in entrepreneurship, while the senator representing Niger East, Musa, was conferred with a doctorate in technology.
Governor Uba Sani applauded the giant strides of Umaru Bago in the rapid transformation of the state while also thanking FUTMinna for the honour. He acknowledged the institution for making its mark in technological education in Nigeria and breaking new ground in achieving excellence.
In his remarks, Musa donated a sum of N200 million. He appreciated the support of Governor Bago, reaffirmed his support for the new Niger agenda, and also appreciated the honour done to him by FUT Minna, with the assurance of his commitment to the growth of the institution.
He added that the tax reform bill is targeted at generating more funding for the development of tertiary institutions in the country.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of FUT Minna, Prof. Faruk Kuta, described the event as historical as the institution is celebrating four decades of excellence in science, engineering, technology, and innovation.
He added that FUT Minna has grown to be a leading institution in technological education in Nigeria, with its recent ranking as the 8th best university in Nigeria and 2nd in the list of specialised universities in Nigeria.
He reiterated that the university will not compromise on the standard it is known for and acknowledged the support of Governor Bago, especially in his intervention in providing hostel accommodation for students.
A total of 5,816 graduates emerged from the 2023/2024 academic session of the Federal University of Technology Minna, comprising 4,955 undergraduates, 632 Master’s graduates, 105 postgraduate diplomas, and 124 PhD recipients.
