TETFUND VALIDATION TEAM VISITS FUTMINNA FOR COMMERCIAL FARM ASSESSMENT
By Lydia Legbo
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, has described the visit of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Validation Team for the Agricultural Commercial Farm Evaluation as a timely and welcome development. He said the University has been seeking avenues to revalidate its commercial farming project and strengthen its role in national food production.
Prof. Kuta made this remark on Thursday, July 31, 2025, during the Team’s on-site inspection of the University’s agricultural facilities. The visit was aimed at assessing the institution’s readiness, infrastructure, and alignment with TETFund’s commercialization objectives, as outlined in FUT, Minna’s expression of interest.
“This is a significant opportunity for the University,” the Vice-Chancellor noted. “We aim to position ourselves as a key contributor to food production, not only in Niger State but across the country. Our vision is to be among the leading universities supporting Nigeria’s food security drive.”
He further highlighted that the initiative involves a potential research grant worth one billion naira, emphasizing that its successful acquisition would boost the University’s agricultural research capacity, improve food production, and generate revenue.
The Validation Team was led by Dr. Suleiman Zangina, representative of TETFund, and Mallam Lawal Mohammed Faruk, Director of Research, Innovation and Information Technology at the National Universities Commission (NUC). They were received at the Academic Publishing Centre, Main Campus, by the Director of the Directorate for Research, Innovation and Development (DRID), Prof. Chiemela Enyinnaya Chinma.
Prof. Chinma, who chaired the proposal committee that submitted FUTMINNA’s application to TETFund for the establishment of commercial farms and livestock production, guided the delegation on a tour of the facilities. The team also held an interactive session with committee members and staff from the University’s agricultural programmes.
Notably, out of 72 Federal and 65 State Universities nationwide, 30 institutions applied for the grant, with 15 selected. FUT, Minna ranked second among the selected institutions.
Photo Credit: Elijah Yisa/ Lekan Oshindare
