Federal University of Technology, Minna

132ND INAUGURAL LECTURE: PROF IDRIS IDENTIFIES THREAT INTELLIGENCE AS KEY TO NIGERIAN ECONOMIC GROWTH

By Mohammed Abubakar

Threat intelligence has been identified as a critical driver of the Nigerian economic growth and digital resilience amid the nation's increasing dependence on technology.

Prof. Ismaila Idris noted this while delivering the 132nd Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna. The lecture entitled, "Threat Intelligence: A Panacea to the Growth of the Nigerian Economy," held on Thursday, 6th August, 2026, at the University Auditorium, Main Campus.

The Professor of Cyber Security Science observed that Nigerian rapid digital transformation has opened new frontiers for innovation, entrepreneurship and service delivery across critical sectors such as banking, commerce, transportation and public administration.

He however warned that the same technological advancements have also expanded opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities capable of undermining economic growth and public confidence. A thriving digital economy, he said, is built on trust, stressing that citizens, businesses, governments and investors must be confident that digital systems are secure, reliable and resilient.

The Cyber Security Science expert further explained that cyber threats such as Business Email Compromise (BEC), insider attacks, crypto currency and romance scams, AI-powered cyber-attacks, Internet of Things (IoT) exploits and the emerging risks posed by quantum computing continue to threaten Nigeria's digital ecosystem.

He noted that these attacks not only result in financial losses but also erode public confidence in digital services, thereby slowing economic development.

The former Head, Department of Cyber Security Science, described Threat Intelligence as evidence-based knowledge that enables organisations to identify, understand and neutralise cyber threats before they materialise into attacks. Rather than reacting after damage has occurred, he said, threat intelligence provides timely information that allows institutions to anticipate risks, understand attackers' methods and implement preventive measures.

"Imagine knowing about a cyber-attack before it happens, that is the power of Threat Intelligence," he remarked.

He also added that proactive intelligence-driven security is now indispensable in safeguarding Nigeria's digital future.

The Don of cyber security further explained that an effective Threat Intelligence Monitoring Dashboard functions as a real-time platform for collecting, analysing and displaying cyber threat information. Such a system, he said, supports early detection, rapid response, informed decision-making and the protection of critical national infrastructure.

He maintained that widespread adoption of threat intelligence would promote economic growth by creating a safer environment for businesses, attracting greater investment, reducing losses associated with cybercrime, protecting essential services and generating employment opportunities within the cyber security sector.

Above all, he stressed that stronger cyber security would restore public confidence in online banking, digital commerce and government services.

Highlighting his research contributions, Prof. Idris showcased several innovative cyber security solutions developed over the years, including two patented email spam detection models, AI-powered phishing detection systems, financial fraud detection frameworks, insider threat detection models, ransomware detection techniques and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack detection mechanisms. Many of these models, he noted, have demonstrated exceptionally high accuracy and have practical applications in strengthening cyber resilience across multiple sectors.

As part of his recommendations, Prof. Idris advocated the establishment of a National Threat Intelligence Coordination Centre supported by an AI-powered National Threat Monitoring Dashboard to facilitate intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to cyber incidents nationwide.

He also recommended the adoption of quantum-safe encryption technologies, compulsory threat intelligence programmes, alignment of Nigeria cyber laws with international standards, expanded cybersecurity education, establishment of cyber laboratories through public-private partnerships, deployment of AI-powered security operations centres and wider use of behavioural fraud detection systems within financial institutions.

Prof. Idris concluded that cyber security is no longer solely about defending computer systems but has become a critical driver of innovation, investment and national development. He urged government, industry, academia and civil society to work collaboratively towards building a resilient digital ecosystem capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.

He expressed confidence that with political commitment, sustained investment and effective collaboration, Nigeria can successfully implement intelligence-led cyber security frameworks that will secure the nation's digital economy and position it for greater global competitiveness.

Speaking after the lecture, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, described the lecture as timely and highly relevant, noting that cyber security has become indispensable in an era where digital technologies are transforming economies and societies.

Prof. Kuta commended Prof. Idris for his insightful presentation and contributions to cyber security research, particularly in threat intelligence, artificial intelligence, and cyber threat detection. He noted that the recommendations offered practical solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s digital resilience and support economic growth.

The Vice-Chancellor further stated that the University’s investment in research and innovation reflects its commitment to addressing national and global challenges. He expressed confidence that the ideas from the inaugural lecture would stimulate further research, inform policy, and support a secure digital economy in Nigeria.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa

HIGHLIGHTS OF FUTMINNA ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK
Saturday, 25th - Thursday, 30th July, 2026

By Lami Bawa

Thursday, 30 July, 2026: 131st Inaugural Lecture Advocates Stronger TVET–Industry Partnership, Prof. Emmanuel Raymond delivered FUT Minna's 131st Inaugural Lecture titled "The Marriage Between TVET and Job Creation: Let No One Put Asunder" at the University Auditorium. He emphasized that stronger collaboration between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and industry is essential for tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and promoting economic growth. He identified outdated curricula, weak industry partnerships, inadequate funding, and poor societal perception of TVET as major challenges, while recommending increased investment, industry-driven curricula, apprenticeship programmes, and digital skills integration. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, described the lecture as timely and urged Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance in addressing unemployment.

Thursday, 30 July, 2026: The Department of Crop Production honoured Prof. Musa Gimba Matthew Kolo during a farewell ceremony held at the SAFT Boardroom following his retirement. The Dean, Prof. Haruna Ibrahim, praised Prof. Kolo's outstanding contributions to teaching, research, administration, curriculum development, and staff mentorship. He called for continued engagement of retired academics in mentoring younger staff and strengthening institutional governance. Colleagues described Prof. Kolo as an exemplary leader and mentor, while the event concluded with the presentation of a commemorative gift in appreciation of his distinguished service.

Saturday, 25 July 2026: FUT Minna Model Secondary School celebrated its 12th Speech and Prize Giving Day at the CPES Hall, Bosso Campus. The event recognised outstanding students, including Yakubu Sadiq Yusuf, who emerged as the highest scorer in Niger State in the 2026 UTME with 343 marks. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Yusuf Kabiru encouraged students to pursue excellence with discipline and integrity. Guest speaker Engr. Alexander Tsado delivered a lecture on "Digital Literacy: Balancing Social Life and Academic Growth," stressing the responsible use of technology. Awards were presented to deserving students and staff, while parents, teachers and school management reaffirmed their commitment to academic excellence and character development.

131ST INAUGURAL LECTURE: PROF RAYMOND CALLS FOR STRONGER TVET-INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST JOB CREATION IN NIGERIA

By Mohammed Abubakar

Strengthening collaboration between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and industry has been identified as a critical step towards addressing unemployment, reducing poverty and driving sustainable socio-economic development in Nigeria.

Prof. Emmanuel Raymond made this call while delivering the 131st Inaugural Lecture series of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The lecture titled, "The Marriage Between TVET and Job Creation: Let No One Put Asunder," held on Thursday, 30th July 2026 at the University Auditorium, Main Campus.

The Professor of Industrial and Technology Education observed that despite Nigeria's enormous youthful population, the country continues to grapple with high unemployment due to a mismatch between graduates' skills and labour market demands. He attributed the challenge to obsolete curricula, inadequate funding, weak industry-academia collaboration, outdated training facilities, poor digital skills integration and the negative societal perception of technical education. According to him, industries now seek competence rather than certificates, making TVET indispensable to economic transformation.

Drawing examples from Germany, Singapore and South Korea, Prof. Raymond noted that sustained investment in technical education, effective public-private partnerships and industry-driven curricula have enabled those countries to build globally competitive workforces and significantly reduce youth unemployment. He urged Nigeria to adopt similar approaches through consistent policies and strategic investment in skills development.

He also highlighted his research contributions spanning innovative teaching strategies, curriculum development, work-based learning, digital technologies, vocational rehabilitation, public-private partnerships and renewable energy solutions, noting that the studies provide practical evidence for strengthening the relationship between TVET and employment creation.

The Don recommended increased government investment in TVET, mandatory industry participation in curriculum development, expansion of apprenticeship programmes, greater integration of digital and green technologies, continuous professional development for instructors, enhanced support for research and innovation, and a deliberate effort to reposition technical education as a prestigious and viable career pathway. He further urged young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship and vocational careers rather than waiting for scarce white collar jobs.

In his remarks after the lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of FUT Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, described the lecture as timely and one that directly addressed one of Nigeria's most pressing national challenges.

According to him, job creation remains at the heart of many of the country's socio-economic problems, including insecurity and other social vices, stressing that practical solutions must begin from the grassroots through quality education and skills development.

Prof. Kuta noted that the lecture was particularly inspiring to students, whose enthusiasm throughout the presentation reflected a growing appreciation of the relevance of technical and vocational education in nation building.

He expressed optimism that more lectures of such nature would help reshape the mindset of young Nigerians, encouraging university graduates to become employers of labour rather than job seekers.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed that addressing unemployment is a collective responsibility, saying government alone cannot solve the nation's employment challenges. He therefore called for a change in orientation among Nigerians, urging citizens to abandon the belief that government is solely responsible for providing jobs and instead embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
He further noted the importance of patriotism, noting that Nigeria's development depends on the commitment of its citizens.

"This country belongs to all of us. Nobody will come and change the country for us; we must collectively resolve to transform it ourselves," he said.

Prof. Kuta also commended the Federal Government for its funding of education, particularly through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the initiative has significantly reduced the number of students dropping out of higher institutions due to financial constraints.

Photo Credit Elijah Yisa

🎙️ Meet Our Plenary Speaker

The conversation on the future of higher education continues at the 37th Annual Conference & General Assembly of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU).

We are honoured to welcome Prof. Emeritus M. A. Akanji, Former Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, as a Plenary Speaker.

🗣 Topic:
Diversifying Funding Beyond Government Subventions

As universities navigate increasing financial pressures, this session will explore innovative funding models, strategic partnerships, endowment development, research commercialization, alumni engagement, and other sustainable approaches to strengthening Nigeria's higher education system.

📅 17–21 August 2026
📍 University of Ilorin, Nigeria

Join university leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders as we chart a resilient and sustainable future for Nigerian universities.

HIGHLIGHTS OF FUTMINNA ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK FROM:
Saturday, 18th - Friday, 24 July, 2026

By Zainab Lawal

Saturday, 18th July, 2026: The Students' Union Independent Electoral Committee (SUIEC) successfully conducted the 2026/2027 Students' Union elections at the University e-Centre, Main Campus. Comrade Musa Ibrahim Muhammad of the Department of Food Science and Technology emerged as Students' Union President after polling 1,766 votes in an election widely adjudged free, fair and peaceful.

Monday, 20th July, 2026: The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, received the Fellowship Certificate and Plaque of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), conferred on him in recognition of his outstanding contributions to leadership and project management.

Monday, 20th July, 2026: Prof. Kuta advocated sustained investment in the professional development of university administrators while receiving the National Executive of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) ahead of the 2026 Northern Zonal Training Workshop hosted by FUT Minna. He emphasised capacity building, digital transformation and mentorship as critical to effective university administration.

Tuesday, 21st July, 2026: The Vice-Chancellor was honoured with the Distinguished Leadership Award by the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA) during its 2026 Northern Zonal Training Workshop in recognition of his exemplary leadership and commitment to institutional excellence and staff development.

Tuesday, 21st – Thursday, 23rd July, 2026: The School of Environmental Technology hosted the 6th School of Environmental Technology International Conference (SETIC 2026), bringing together scholars, researchers and environmental experts from Nigeria and other countries to deliberate on sustainable development, environmental stewardship and climate resilience under the theme "Building Sustainable Futures, Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action for Resilient Communities in Africa and Beyond."

Tuesday, 21st July, 2026: The Directorate of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer organised a Technology Transfer and Commercialisation Workshop on patent drafting and intellectual property protection. The workshop equipped researchers and innovators with practical knowledge on protecting research outputs and promoting commercialisation.

Wednesday, 22nd July, 2026: The University hosted a dinner in honour of the National Executive Committee and delegates of ANUPA attending the 2026 Northern Zonal Training Workshop, reaffirming FUT Minna's commitment to professional collaboration, capacity building and administrative excellence.
Wednesday, 22nd July, 2026: The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Alumni Association, in collaboration with the National Association of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Students (NAEES), organised an Alumni Summit to expose students to innovation, entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, renewable energy and other emerging technologies shaping the future of engineering.

Wednesday, 22nd July, 2026: The Entrepreneurship Centre, in partnership with the Financial Literacy Advocacy Group (FLAG), organised another One-Day Free Financial Literacy Outreach for residents of Gidan Kwano community. Participants were trained on budgeting, savings and sound financial management to improve their livelihoods.

Thursday, 23rd July, 2026: The University Staff School celebrated its 37th Speech and Prize-Giving Day, graduating 127 primary school pupils and 70 nursery pupils. The ceremony also recognised outstanding academic achievements, with Nuratu Alhassan Haruna emerging as the Overall Best Pupil.

Throughout the week, the University continued to demonstrate its commitment to leadership excellence, quality administration, research commercialisation, innovation, environmental sustainability, student leadership development, community engagement and human capacity building through a series of impactful academic and professional activities.

FUTMINNA HOSTS DINNER IN HONOUR OF ANUPA WORKSHOP DELEGATES

By Abdullahi Danbakaba

The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), has hosted a dinner in honour of the National Executive Council of the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), the FUT Minna Branch Executive Committee and delegates attending the 2026 ANUPA Northern Zonal Training Workshop.

Held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Dr. Suleimanu Kumo Convocation Square, Main Campus. The event highlighted the University's commitment to promoting professional development, collaboration and excellence in university administration.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the Dean of Postgraduate School, Prof. Abubakar Ndaman Sa’idu, said the dinner was a gesture of appreciation to ANUPA for choosing FUT Minna as host, noting that the Training Workshop would enhance the capacity of university administrators and improve service delivery.

The National Secretary-General of ANUPA, Dr. Roseline Ojinta, appreciated the University Management for the warm reception and hospitality extended to delegates, describing the hosting arrangements as remarkable.

The dinner was attended by university administrators, ANUPA executives, delegates and members of the University community.

Photo Credit Lekan Oshindare

FUTMINNA EEE ALUMNI SUMMIT PREPARES STUDENTS FOR FUTURE ENGINEERING CAREERS

By Zainab Lawal

The Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, has equipped students with innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technology skills to prepare them for future careers in engineering.

Declaring the summit open, the Dean, School of Electrical Engineering and Technology, Engr. Prof. B. A. Adegboye, said modern engineering requires creativity, sustainability, automation and digital competence in addition to strong technical knowledge. He urged students to adopt multidisciplinary approaches that will position them for future technological advancements.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Department, Dr. O. J. Tola, described the summit as a platform for reconnecting accomplished alumni with the department while promoting mentorship, innovation, collaboration and excellence. He noted that the department has consistently produced highly skilled engineers making significant contributions across industries in Nigeria and beyond.

Dr. Tola urged students to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and practical skills to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy and other emerging technologies.

He encouraged participants to actively engage with the resource persons and leverage the networking opportunities provided by the summit.

Delivering the keynote address, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Embedded Fan Limited, Engr. Ambima Munza, encouraged students to embrace innovation, resilience and continuous learning. He highlighted opportunities in AI, IoT, renewable energy, robotics and drone technology, urging aspiring engineers to develop practical solutions that address societal challenges and create economic value.

Also speaking, Mike Bertola Ibitomihi stressed that career success depends not only on academic excellence but also on soft skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, digital literacy and problem-solving.

He advised students to cultivate professionalism, resilience and a lifelong learning mindset to thrive in today's dynamic workplace.

Photo Credit Lekan Oshindare

SET HOSTS SETIC 2026, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CLIMATE ACTION, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

By Mohammed Abubakar

For three days, the School of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, became a melting pot of ideas, innovation and international collaboration as scholars, researchers, policymakers and environmental professionals from Nigeria and beyond converged for the 6th School of Environmental Technology International Conference (SETIC 2026).

The conference, with the themed, "Building Sustainable Futures, Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action for Resilient Communities in Africa and Beyond," held from Tuesday, 21st to Thursday, 23rd July, 2026, at the School of Environmental Technology Lecture Theatre, Main Campus.

Declaring the conference open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta; who was the Chief Host, described the gathering as timely, noting that the quality of participants and the relevance of the theme is key to the University's commitment to advancing research that addresses societal challenges.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Engr. Prof. Abdullahi Mohammed, the Vice-Chancellor, urged participants to make the most of the conference by actively sharing ideas, engaging in meaningful discussions and developing practical recommendations that would contribute to environmental sustainability, climate resilience and national development.

Prof. Kuta also commended the organisers for successfully bringing together experts from different disciplines and countries, expressing confidence that the conference would produce outcomes capable of influencing policy and practice.

In his opening address, the Dean, School of Environmental Technology, Prof. Olurotimi Adebowale Kemiki, described the conference theme as more than a slogan, saying it challenged stakeholders to reflect on the kind of Africa that would be bequeathed to future generations.

According to him, the conference seeks to stimulate conversations on cleaner cities, safer buildings, greener neighbourhoods, smarter infrastructure and more resilient communities, adding that the calibre of keynote speakers and paper presenters, coupled with a rigorous review process, would guarantee productive deliberations and valuable recommendations.

Prof. Kemiki noted that architects, builders, quantity surveyors, estate surveyors and valuers, urban planners, surveyors and other environmental professionals all have critical roles to play in shaping sustainable cities and promoting accountability in the built environment.
He particularly encouraged young scholars to remain committed to developing innovative ideas that would transform Africa's infrastructure and environmental landscape.

The Dean appreciated the Chief Host, for providing an enabling environment that promotes research excellence and international collaboration. He also acknowledged the contributions of principal officers, former Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Heads of Departments, members of the Local Organising Committee, sponsors and development partners whose support contributed to the successful hosting of the conference.

In his welcome address, the Conference Chairman, Prof. Ezekiel Babatunde Ogunbode, warmly received participants from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that environmental challenges transcend geographical boundaries and require collective global action.

He observed that climate change, rapid urbanisation, environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, energy insecurity, biodiversity loss and increasing pressure on natural resources continue to threaten sustainable development across the world.

Prof. Ogunbode, however, stated that such challenges also present opportunities for innovation, collaboration and transformative research capable of creating sustainable cities and resilient communities.

He encouraged participants to maximise the conference by asking questions, exchanging ideas, establishing professional networks, mentoring younger researchers and exploring opportunities for collaborative research and international grants.

The Conference Chairman also challenged postgraduate students to participate confidently in the conference, reminding them that every accomplished professor once started as a young researcher.

Delivering the keynote address titled, "Responding to the Next Disaster: Building Resilient Communities Before Crisis Strikes," Prof. Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha-Chipungu, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, stressed the need for proactive rather than reactive approaches to disaster risk management and climate resilience.

She explained that the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, environmental degradation, rapid urban expansion and socio-economic vulnerabilities demand deliberate investments in disaster preparedness before crises occur.

The keynote speaker advocated integrated urban planning, climate-responsive policies, resilient infrastructure, effective early warning systems, environmental education and community participation as critical strategies for reducing disaster risks and protecting lives and livelihoods.

Prof. Magidimisha-Chipungu further emphasised the importance of evidence-based research, institutional collaboration and knowledge sharing among governments, universities, development partners and local communities to strengthen environmental stewardship and improve resilience across Africa.

She noted that building resilient communities requires sustained commitment, innovative thinking and collective responsibility, urging stakeholders to translate research outcomes into practical policies and actions capable of safeguarding future generations.

As part of the opening ceremony, awards were presented to distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to environmental development, professional practice, scholarship and support for the conference. The award recipients were Rt. Hon. Usman Mohammed Manko; Prof. Muhammad Bashar Nuhu, FNIVS; ESV. Charles Chuka Onyedibe; Hon. Dr. Abubakar Usman; ESV. Ekundayo Ajala; Bldr. Oladele Abimbola Isiaka; QS. George D**e (FNIQS); Prof. Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha-Chipungu; Lerato Moshoeshoe; and Edmore Mutsaa.

Photo Credit Mohammed Dantsoho