By Lami Bawa
In a move to strengthen the culture of research, innovation, and impactful scholarship, the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) has recognized 19 academic staff members for their exceptional contributions to scholarly research. The recipients were honoured during the 5th Researchers and Inventors Award Ceremony, held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Academic Publishing Centre, Main Campus.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, commended the awardees for their remarkable academic contributions, noting that their dedication enhances the University’s national and global reputation.
He emphasized that FUT, Minna’s consistent excellence is reflected in its recent ranking as second by the National Research Funds (NRF), and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining high standards in research and innovation.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, the Director, Academic Publishing Centre, Prof. Abdulsalami S. Kovo, expressed sincere appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their continuous support. He highlighted the high demand for FUT, Minna graduates across the country, attributing it to the institution’s strong academic and research culture.
Also, speaking the Director of WASCAL, FUT, Minna Prof. Appolonia A. Okhimamhe emphasized that the recognition of researchers serves as a motivating factor, encouraging both staff and students to deepen their engagement with impactful research.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director, Research, Innovations and Development, and one of the awardees, Prof Chiemela E. Chinma stated that the annual event is designed to honour researchers who have published in top-tier Q1 journals and those who have secured international grants, in recognition of academic excellence.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Uno Essang Uno, praised the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for fostering an environment that drives academic success and innovation.
Awardees for Q1 Journal Publications:
- Dr. Ekundayo Abayomi Adesina – Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics
- Prof. Luqman Oyewobi – Department of Quantity Surveying
- Dr. Sharifat O. Ibrahim – Department of Physics
- Dr. I.O. Olarinoye – Department of Physics
- Dr. Olufemi Adebayo Oyewole et al – Department of Microbiology
- Dr. Abdulhakeem Yusuf – Department of Industrial Mathematics
- Prof. Abdulsalami S. Kovo – Department of Chemical Engineering
- Prof. O.P. Abioye – Department of Microbiology
- Prof. Ambali Saka Abdulkareem – Department of Chemical Engineering
- Prof. Jimoh Oladejo Tijani – Department of Chemistry
- Prof. Francis Ofurum Arimoro – Department of Animal Biology
- Prof. Chiemela Enyinnaya Chinma – Department of Food Science and Technology
- Dr. Augustine Innalegwu Daniel – Department of Biochemistry
- Prof. Muhammad Umar Garba – Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Dr. Festus Abiodun Oguntolu – Department of Mathematics
- Dr. Saheed Mustapha et al – Department of Chemistry
- Prof. A. A. Okhimamhe – WASCAL
- Prof. Martins Yusuf Otache – WASCAL
- Prof. Jaiye Dukiya – WASCAL
In addition to the Q1 publication recognitions, the Director, Academic Publishing Centre FUT Minna, Prof. Abdulsalami S. Kovo was also specially honoured for securing an international research grant, further reinforcing the University’s growing impact on the global academic stage.
Photo Credit Elijah Yisa
