The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA), has commissioned a Technology Park designed to strengthen research, innovation, intellectual property development and technology transfer across the institution.
The facility, funded through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), was commissioned by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the University’s Main Campus.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Prof. Kuta expressed satisfaction over the completion of the project, describing the establishment of a dedicated Technology Park as one of the major visions he had for the institution when he sought the position of Vice-Chancellor in 2022.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that the facility was conceived to address the need for a suitable environment where research outputs, innovations and technological projects developed by members of the university community could be properly housed, preserved and showcased.
According to him, several research projects and innovative products developed within the university had previously lacked a central facility for exhibition and preservation, with some materials being kept in conditions not suitable for protecting valuable research outputs.
He said the new Technology Park would provide a central hub for research projects and innovations while creating opportunities for the university to better showcase the products of its academic and technological research.
Prof. Kuta also disclosed plans to relocate the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Development (DRID), as well as the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office, to the new facility.
The relocation, he said, would bring key research, innovation and intellectual property activities within a dedicated environment designed to support the development and commercialisation of research outputs.
The Vice-Chancellor further announced that exhibitions scheduled for the university’s next convocation ceremony would be hosted at the Technology Park, providing a platform for students, researchers and innovators to display their projects and technological products.
Earlier, the Acting Director of the Physical Planning and Development Unit, QS Aisha Mohammed, described the commissioning of the facility as another significant milestone in the development of FUTMINNA.
She explained that the project was constructed under the TETFund 2024 Annual Intervention Fund and executed by Messrs Progressive Global Construction Services.
Mohammed said the completion of the facility reflected continued efforts to improve the university’s infrastructure and create an environment capable of supporting research, innovation and technological development.
In his handover remarks, the contractor, Mr Moses Mc-Daniel, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for the opportunity to execute the project.
He also commended the Acting Director of the Physical Planning and Development Unit for her supervision and attention to detail throughout the construction process.
The Director of Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Chiemela Enyinnaya Chinma, in his vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, university management and Governing Council for supporting the establishment of the Technology Park.
He said the facility would provide FUTMINNA with a stronger platform for coordinating research and development activities, supporting innovators and promoting the protection and transfer of intellectual property.
According to him, the Technology Park is expected to contribute to the university’s ambition of strengthening its position as a centre for technological advancement and innovation in Nigeria.
The facility is designed to support research and development activities, intellectual property protection, technology transfer and innovation incubation.
Conceived and implemented under the administration of Prof. Kuta, the Technology Park features a large double-volume exhibition vault with a gallery designed for models and large machinery.
Other facilities within the complex include an exhibition room, boardroom, offices, storage areas, reception and meeting rooms, as well as male and female convenience facilities.
The building is fully furnished and equipped with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, while parking spaces have also been provided within the facility.
The commissioning of the Technology Park is expected to provide FUTMINNA researchers, students and innovators with a more structured environment for developing, protecting and showcasing research outputs.
It also represents a further step towards strengthening the connection between academic research, innovation and practical applications, with the university seeking to create a stronger system for moving research ideas and technological products from development to wider use.
