By Lami Bawa
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), in partnership with the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, officially commissioned the newly constructed Abdul Samad Rabiu Students’ Hostel at the University’s Main Campus. The project, donated by the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, CON, marks another milestone in the institution’s efforts to expand accommodation and improve students’ welfare.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of FUT, Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, expressed deep appreciation to the BUA Chairman for what he described as a remarkable gesture of corporate social responsibility. He noted that the hostel, designated for male medical students, exemplifies what can be achieved when private institutions collaborate with the education sector for the advancement of youth development.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, I call for sustained collaboration,” the Vice-Chancellor said. “The needs of our growing medical college, particularly laboratories, equipment, and research facilities, remain significant. Continued partnerships with BUA Group and other philanthropists will go a long way in strengthening education, which is an investment in national progress.”
Representing the Niger State Governor, Farmer Governor Umar Bago, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Alhaji Surajo Sa’id, commended the ASR Africa Initiative for complementing government efforts in addressing educational challenges such as student accommodation. He urged the university community to make good use of the facilities and encouraged ASR Africa to extend similar interventions to other higher institutions in the state.
Also speaking at the event, the representative of the MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to supporting education across Nigeria and Africa. He revealed that ASR Africa has provided between ₦200 million and ₦1 billion in support to 30 universities nationwide, describing FUT Minna’s management as deserving beneficiaries. He assured the gathering that the newly commissioned hostel marks the beginning of a long-term partnership with the institution.
The Director of the Physical Planning and Development Unit (PPDU) Aisha Muhammad, reaffirmed ASR Africa’s dedication to sustainable development across Africa. She noted that the donation will significantly reduce accommodation pressure on students while providing safer, more conducive living conditions for academic success.
During a facility tour, the Project Consultant from Bamshuk Consult Ltd., Arch. Bako Ismail Mohammed, explained that the hostel features 18 rooms with a 108-bed capacity, 4 kitchens, 4 laundry units, 2 common rooms, and 1 porter’s room, all designed to ensure comfort and efficiency.
The Students’ Union President, Comr. Adaido Machofo Ezekiel, expressed gratitude on behalf of the students, stating that the new hostel will greatly ease accommodation challenges. He appealed for more interventions from ASR Africa and other well meaning individuals while thanking the Vice-Chancellor for his continued commitment to students’ welfare.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Uno Essang Uno, applauded ASR Africa for its positive impact across Nigeria and the continent. He also commended the university management for its dedication to progress and urged students to maintain the facilities to encourage future donations.
The event concluded with the presentation of an award of honour and appreciation to ASR Africa, acknowledging its invaluable contribution to the university and its role in enhancing educational infrastructure.
Photo Credit Elijah Yisa
