By Mustapha Alhassan
Honour has again come the way of the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Abdullahi Bala FSSSN as he has been conferred with the TimeNews Gold Award.
The Vice-Chancellor received the Gold Award in recognition of Prof. Bala’s “ distinguished contributions to the development of education and academic excellence in Nigeria” at the ceremony held on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Nigerian National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja.
Responding shortly after receiving the award, the Vice-Chancellor said he was dedicating it to staff and students of the University who have distinguished themselves.
Prof. Bala emphasized that FUT, Minna is a university of choice, adding that the institution did not attain that feat by accident but as a result of hard work and dedication of staff and students.
“ Whatever we have been able to achieve is as a result of the efforts of our predecessors,” he further remarked.
Earlier in his address, Chairman of the awards selection committee, Mr. Bernard Adeokhor, said TimeNews was honouring good, honest and hard working Nigerians who had contributed to the development of the nation and Africa. Adding that the awards were aimed at promoting excellence and hard work devoid of corrupt practices.
Mr. Adeokhor who is also the Publisher/Chief Executive Officer of TimeNews, further stated that the recognition was meant to stimulate economic and socio-political growth of our nation and serve as a morale booster for the awardees and others who are diligent in the work.
“TimeNews Gold Award recipients are recognized as performers who have made their marks in their various areas of calling,” he said, as he urged the awardees to continue to excel in their respective fields of endeavour.
President, Federal Capital Territory Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Abbazhi Musa Abubakar Saddeeq; Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital Dala, Kano State, Dr. Mamman Muhammad Lawal and the Provost, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Idah, Kogi State, Comr. (Dr.) Nuhu Solomon Anyegwu also received the awards at the occasion.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Akim Osarhiemen Osunde, FSSN attended the event. The following members of Council were also on the University’s high-powered delegation: Prof. Abdullahi Mohammed ( Director, Academic Planning); Dr. Saidu Mohammed (Director, Centre for Preliminary and Extra-mural Studies) and Dr. Haruna Ibrahim, (Head, Department of Horticulture). Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Akim A Osunde and Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Bala also attended the occassion.
Photo Credit: Elijah Yisa