Professor Faruk Kuta, Vice‑Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), 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, he noted that while teaching is a common feature of all universities, it is innovation and tangible research products that differentiate one institution from another.
According to Prof. Kuta, Nigerian universities rest on three pillars—teaching, research, and community service—but research is the key factor that sets a university apart, driving both impact and revenue. He cited FUT Minna as an example where researchers are turning research into a game‑changer, reducing reliance on government funding by translating findings into marketable products.
Despite funding challenges, FUT Minna has achieved a seventh‑place ranking in Nigeria and earned 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 secured the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) commercial agriculture project worth N1 billion.
The Researcher’s and Inventor’s Award ceremony celebrated the university’s researchers who have made significant contributions to its research endeavors. Prof. Akin Osunde, speaking on behalf of the awardees, commended the Vice‑Chancellor for initiating the award and urged senior professors to engage in research to secure more grants for the university. The event highlighted FUT Minna’s commitment to research and innovation, with 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, attributing it to its research initiatives. The ceremony reinforced the significance of research in driving university growth and revenue, positioning FUT Minna as a model for other institutions in Nigeria.
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