Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) has formally inducted 7,529 newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session during its 38th Matriculation Ceremony held at the Convocation Square, Main Campus, Gidan Kwano.

The event was more than a routine academic ritual, it marked the official commencement of the university’s College of Medicine and Health Technology, a major step aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.

Historic Debut of the Medical College

For the first time in its history, FUT Minna has enrolled students into medical-related degree programmes following approval by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in late 2025.

The pioneer intake has begun studies in:

• Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
  
• Nursing Science
  
• Medical Laboratory Science
  
• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D)
  
• Human Anatomy
  

To support clinical training, the university partnered with the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, which will function as the primary teaching hospital. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in May 2025, followed by successful resource verification by the NUC.

The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Minna Chapter, has also pledged professional support to maintain high training standards.

Infrastructure Support

The take-off of the college received notable backing:

• Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, donated ₦100 million for a female hostel.
  
• Philanthropist Dr. Rabiu Abdulsamad provided a modern hostel facility for male medical students.
  

University leadership described the development as a long-awaited breakthrough, particularly for students from Niger State who previously struggled with limited access to medical programmes.

Competitive Admission Process

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta administered the matriculation oath and provided insight into the admission statistics:

• 12,661 applicants applied via Post-UTME and Direct Entry
  
• 11,107 candidates participated in screening
  
• 8,134 applicants were offered admission
  
• 7,529 students completed registration and matriculated
  

This reflects a highly competitive process, with admission decisions based on academic merit and screening performance.

Code of Conduct and Student Expectations

During his address, the Vice-Chancellor reminded students that admission comes with responsibility. He warned against:

• Examination malpractice
  
• Cultism and violence
  
• Drug abuse
  
• Fraud and other misconduct
  

He emphasized that degrees are awarded based on academic excellence and character, urging students to comply with institutional regulations, dress codes, and security advisories.

The matriculation oath, he noted, formally binds students to uphold the university’s rules.

Rising Academic Reputation

The ceremony also spotlighted the university’s growing academic profile. According to 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings:

• FUT Minna is ranked 7th in Nigeria
  
• It remains the highest-ranked specialised university in the country
  
• Globally placed within the 1201–1500 band
  

This marks an improvement from its 10th national ranking in 2025. The rankings evaluated 2,191 universities worldwide using 18 performance indicators.

University leadership reaffirmed its ambition to secure a top-three national ranking by the end of 2026.