By Lami Bawa
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT, Minna) has officially matriculated 7,529 students during its 38th Matriculation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session. The event took place on Monday, 16 February 2026, at the Suleimanu Kumo Convocation Square, Main Campus.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Faruk Adamu Kuta, described the ceremony as both statutory and symbolic, formally welcoming the new students into the University’s academic community and marking the beginning of a transformative phase in their lives. He expressed particular delight at the matriculation of the pioneer students of the College of Medicine Sciences and Health Technology, noting that the establishment of the College reflects the University’s long-standing vision to address societal challenges, especially the shortage of healthcare professionals and medical technologists in Nigeria.
Congratulating the newly admitted students, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the competitive admission process. Out of 12,661 candidates who applied through Direct Entry and Post-UTME, 11,107 participated in the screening exercise. From this number, 8,134 were offered admission, 7,968 accepted the offer, and 7,529 successfully completed registration and took the matriculation oath.
He commended the students for their merit, resilience, and determination.
Prof. Kuta emphasized that FUT, Minna is committed to innovation, practical training, and hands-on learning aimed at preparing students for responsible global citizenship. He noted that the University’s libraries across both campuses are equipped with extensive physical and electronic resources, including books and scholarly journals. Modern laboratories, workshops, furnished lecture halls, and robust Information Technology Services are also in place to support effective teaching, learning, and research. Students were encouraged to utilize the available sporting facilities and actively participate in extracurricular activities.
Reiterating the institution’s standards, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that degrees are awarded only to students who excel in both learning and character. He warned that examination malpractice, fraud, cultism, drug abuse, violence, and other anti-social behaviours will not be tolerated. Students were advised to study the Students’ Handbook carefully, adhere to the approved dress code, and maintain discipline at all times. He further noted that the Students Affairs Division provides guidance counsellors, while the Students Disciplinary Committee and the Committee Against Anti-Social Activities (CASA) uphold institutional values.
Highlighting the University’s academic standing, Prof. Kuta stated that in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, FUT, Minna was ranked 7th best university in Nigeria, the highest-ranked specialized university in the country, among the top ten in West Africa, and 68th in Africa. The University is also one of only two Nigerian universities with an A+ institutional accreditation rating.
He urged the students to take full advantage of the conducive learning environment and cultivate the habit of independent study, reminding them that hard work remains the surest path to excellence. He concluded by wishing them a productive and successful academic journey.
Earlier, the University Registrar, Danladi Mallam, administered the matriculation oath to the newly admitted students.
Photo Credit Elijah Yisa
