By Lami Bawa
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, welcomed the Director of Research, Development, and Innovation (DRDI) of the Nigerian Army, Major General Mohammed T. Usman, along with his team on a courtesy visit to the University.
The visit, held on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the Senate Chamber of the Main Campus, aimed to discuss the progress of the ongoing collaboration between the Nigerian Army and FUT, Minna.
In his remarks, Prof. Kuta expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Army for the opportunity to work together, emphasizing that FUT, Minna’s achievements in research are a result of its commitment to excellence. He assured the visiting team of the University’s readiness to continue the collaboration and achieve the desired results, while advocating for stronger ties between the University and the Nigerian Army. “It’s essential to support indigenous technologies, and the best way forward is through collaborations with universities,” he said.
Major General Usman highlighted the Army’s ongoing collaboration with FUT, Minna, particularly on the renovation and configuration of its 35mm Oerlikon artillery gun. He explained that the visit was to assess the progress made on the project so they could provide an update to the Chief of Army Staff. Usman noted the Chief’s focus on developing indigenous military technologies, underlining the Army’s belief in Nigeria’s capability to enhance its equipment locally.
Prof. Hussaini Anthony Makun, former Director of DRDI , FUT, Minna and Centre Leader , Africa Centre of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety(ACEMFS ), provided a summary of the collaboration, noting that the team had already assessed the anti-aircraft guns, analyzed the issues, and produced a report outlining what was required to restore functionality. He expressed optimism about renewing technical discussions and assured the Army that FUT, Minna possesses the expertise to address any technical challenges.
The visit concluded with the presentation of plague to Prof. Kuta by Major General Usman in recognition of the University’s contributions.
Photo Credit: Elijah Yisa