GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO HAILS FUT MINNA  AS IT  RECORDS  OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has hailed  the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna for making positive impact on Niger state and the country as a whole over the years.

The Governor gave the commendation at the 30th Convocation ceremony and 38th Founder's Day of the institution.

Governor Sani Bello acknowledged that the Federal tertiary institution has experienced tremendous transformation under the leadership of the University .

"My friend and brother the VC, I want to congratulate the institution, I can see a clear difference , from the last time I was here few years ago , the difference is clear. I wish the University more  successes, he said.

He also congratulated all the graduands for their efforts  towards attaining the academic pursuits, adding that this will be the beginning of a better future for them to the benefit of the society. 

"Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate the graduands their families after years of hardwork, I pray this will be the beginning of a better future for them and their entire families", he said.

The Governor also felicitated with the awardees of the honorary doctorate degrees, describing the award as well deserved. 

In his address, the Chancellor, FUT Minna, the Deji of Akure and Chairman Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun II who paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the University for laying a good foundation upon which the institution is standing, encouraged all stakeholders of the institution to continue to think outside the box in other to fulfil their mandate of conducting cutting-edge research aimed at solving societal problems and accelerate economic growth. 

Also, the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, FUT, Minna, Prof. Olu Obafemi said the Governing Council of the University is poised to put the institution on a higher pedestal by making it a credible model for other institutions. 

The Vice Chancellor FUT Minna, Prof. Abdullahi Bala explained that University had graduated a total of 3,892 undergraduate students, 1,157 Higher degrees and diplomas our of which 200 backed Post-graduate Diplomas, 836 for Master's degrees while 121 were for Doctorate degrees.

He acknowledged the devotion, tenacity and contribution of honorary doctorate degrees awardees in the growth and development of the country adding that they epitomise the Nigeria of tomorrow. 

The Vice Chancellor also enumerated the numerous achievements of the institution under his tenure ranging from policy and institutional reforms, Infrastructural Development, partnerships, community engagements, improved academic activities, increased in research, innovation and development among others. 

Former Nigeria's Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, President, African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari and founder and chairman, BUA group, Abdul Samad Rabiu were awarded with the honorary doctorate degrees of doctors of Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Entrepreneurship respectively. 

Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar decried the insecurity bedeviling the country and urged for concerted efforts by all and sundry to assist the security operatives with intelligence pointing out that they are over stretched.

While appreciating the institution for finding him worthy of the award, he cautioned politicians to avoid using youths for wrong purposes and also charged the youths not to be allowed themselves to be negative weapons in the hands of politicians even as the general election is drawing closer.

Dr. Adesina and Mele Kyari in their separate remarks highlighted the importance of technology and energy describing them as drivers for engendering rapid socio-economic development in any society. 

They encouraged the graduands to be agents of transformation in Nigeria, African and the world as they have been shaped and prepared for success. 

They appreciated the University leadership for the award and pledged their continuous support for the institution.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello had earlier in company of some eminent Nigerians inaugurated some of the infrastructural projects at the institution. 

Mary Noel-Berje 
Chief Press Secretary
 to the Governor of Niger State.