Professor Faruk Kuta, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), has emphasized the crucial role of impactful research in unlocking universities’ potential and generating revenue in Nigeria. Speaking at the 6th Researcher’s and Inventor’s Award ceremony, Prof Kuta highlighted that while teaching is a common aspect of all universities, it is innovation and tangible research products that differentiate one institution from another.
According to Prof Kuta, universities in Nigeria stand on three pillars: teaching, research, and community service. However, he noted that research is the key factor that sets a university apart and drives impact and revenue. He cited FUT Minna as an example, where researchers are turning research into a game-changer, reducing the university’s reliance on government funding by translating research into products.
Despite facing funding challenges, FUT Minna has earned a 7th place ranking in Nigeria and recognition from global bodies, thanks to its robust research initiatives. The university’s Director of the Directorate for Research Innovations and Development, Prof Chiemela Chinma, recalled that FUT Minna was ranked first in the 2024 National Research Fund grants cycle and won the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) commercial agriculture project worth N1 billion.
The Researcher’s and Inventor’s Award ceremony aimed to celebrate the university’s researchers who have made significant contributions to the institution’s research endeavors. Prof Akin Osunde, responding on behalf of the awardees, commended the Vice-Chancellor for initiating the award and encouraged senior professors to participate in research work to secure more grants for the university.
The event showcased FUT Minna’s commitment to research and innovation, with the university’s management and researchers receiving accolades for their achievements. Prof Abubakar Saidu, Dean of the Postgraduate School, applauded the university’s growing prominence in the country, thanks to its research initiatives. The ceremony reinforced the significance of research in driving university growth and revenue, with FUT Minna serving as a model for other institutions in Nigeria.