The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) has honoured 19 academic staff members for their exceptional contributions to scholarly research during the 5th Researchers and Inventors Award Ceremony held at the university's Academic Publishing Centre.
The recognition, which took place on June 17, 2025, aims to strengthen the culture of research, innovation, and impactful scholarship within the institution.
Vice-Chancellor Commends Academic Excellence
Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta praised the awardees for their remarkable academic contributions, stating, "Your dedication enhances the University's national and global reputation."
Prof. Kuta highlighted that FUT Minna was recently ranked second by the National Research Funds (NRF), reflecting the institution's consistent excellence in academic pursuits. He reaffirmed the university's commitment to maintaining high standards in research and innovation.
Recognition as Motivation for Research
Prof. Abdulsalami S. Kovo, Director of the Academic Publishing Centre, spoke on behalf of the awardees, expressing gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and University Management for their continuous support. He noted the high demand for FUT Minna graduates nationwide, attributing this to the institution's strong academic and research culture.
The Director of WASCAL at FUT Minna, Prof. Appolonia A. Okhimamhe, added that recognizing researchers serves as a motivating factor that encourages both staff and students to engage more deeply with impactful research.
Awardees Across Multiple Disciplines
Prof. Chiemela E. Chinma, Director of Research, Innovations and Development—and himself an awardee—explained that the annual event honours researchers who have published in top-tier Q1 journals and those who have secured international grants.
The 19 honoured scholars represent various departments, including Surveying and Geoinformatics, Quantity Surveying, Physics, Microbiology, Industrial Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Animal Biology, Food Science and Technology, Biochemistry, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, and Mathematics.
Notable awardees included Dr. Ekundayo Abayomi Adesina, Prof. Luqman Oyewobi, Dr. Sharifat O. Ibrahim, Dr. I. O. Olarinoye, Dr. Olufemi Adebayo Oyewole, Prof. O. P. Abioye, Dr. Abdulhakeem Yusuf, Prof. Abdulsalami S. Kovo, and Prof. Ambali Saka Abdulkareem.
Others were Prof. Jimoh Oladejo Tijani, Dr. Saheed Mustapha, Prof. Francis Ofurum Arimoro, Prof. Chiemela Enyinnaya Chinma, Dr. Augustine Innalegwu Daniel, Prof. Muhammad Umar Garba, Dr. Festus Abiodun Oguntolu, Prof. A. A. Okhimamhe, Prof. Martins Yusuf Otache, and Prof. Jaiye Dukiya.
In addition to being recognized for Q1 journal publications, Prof. Abdulsalami S. Kovo received special recognition for securing an international research grant, further reinforcing the university's growing influence on the global academic stage.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Uno Essang Uno, commended the Vice-Chancellor and his management team for fostering an environment that drives academic success and innovation.
Follow BenriNews on Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | WhatsApp | Telegram
