University climbs to 7th national ranking as medical college begins operations
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), has officially admitted 7,529 students into its 2025/2026 academic session during its 38th Matriculation Ceremony held on Monday at the Convocation Square, Main Campus, Gidan Kwano.
The ceremony marked a historic milestone for the institution. It formally ushered in the pioneer set of students into the newly established College of Medicine Sciences and Health Technology. This development fulfills a long-cherished vision to address Nigeria’s critical healthcare manpower shortage.
Pioneer Medical Students Begin Journey
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, administered the matriculation oath to the new intake. He described the launch of the medical college as a dream realised after extensive preparations. The National Universities Commission (NUC) granted formal approval for the programmes in late 2025.
Pioneer students have already commenced studies in several disciplines. These include Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), and Human Anatomy. The university has secured a strategic partnership with the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, which will serve as the primary teaching hospital for clinical training.
A Memorandum of Understanding formalising this collaboration was signed in May 2025. Subsequent resource verification visits by the NUC confirmed the readiness of both academic and clinical facilities. The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Minna Chapter, has also pledged its support to ensure adherence to the highest standards of medical training.
Significant infrastructural support has bolstered the college’s take-off. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State donated ₦100 million for a female hostel. Additionally, philanthropist Dr. Rabiu Abdulsamad gifted a modern male medical students’ hostel. “The college’s establishment will address long-standing admission challenges faced by Niger State indigenes,” Prof. Kuta noted during a courtesy visit by MDCAN.
Competitive Admissions and Strict Conduct Rules
The journey to matriculation was highly competitive for the 7,529 students now officially enrolled. The Vice-Chancellor provided a detailed breakdown of the selection process. “Out of 12,661 candidates who applied through Direct Entry and Post-UTME, 11,107 participated in the screening,” Kuta revealed. “From this pool, 8,134 were offered admission, but only 7,529 have successfully completed registration and taken the oath today,” the VC stated.
This data indicates that approximately 68% of screened candidates secured admission. The final enrolment figure represents about 59% of the total applicants who initially sought entry. The university maintains a moderately selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and academic records.
During the ceremony, Prof. Kuta seized the opportunity to establish clear expectations for student conduct. He issued a stern warning against any form of indiscipline. “Examination malpractice, fraud, cultism, drug abuse, violence, and other anti-social behaviors will not be tolerated,” the VC warned firmly. “The University awards degrees only to students who distinguish themselves in both learning and character,” he stated.
He further charged students to adhere strictly to the approved dress code and security protocols. He urged them to avoid isolated areas and unauthorised travel to ensure their safety throughout their academic journey. The matriculation oath legally binds students to disciplinary compliance and academic excellence.
Rising Rankings and Academic Excellence
The matriculation ceremony also served as a platform to celebrate the university’s growing national and global recognition. Prof. Kuta touted the institution’s rising profile, noting that the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings placed FUT Minna as the 7th best university in Nigeria and the highest-ranked specialised university in the country.
This position marks a significant improvement from its 10th place ranking in 2025. The THE rankings assessed 2,191 institutions across 115 countries using 18 performance indicators. Globally, FUT Minna is placed within the 1201–1500 band.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed joy over the development. “Climbing to the 7th position nationally reflects the hard work of our staff and students,” he stated. “It also confirms our position as the best specialised University among the universities of Technology in Nigeria,” he added. He further emphasised the institution’s aspirations, noting, “We are not resting on our oars, our goal is to be among the top three universities in Nigeria by the end of 2026.”
He added that the university remains one of only two in Nigeria with an A+ institutional accreditation rating. To maintain this standard, most lectures would be delivered virtually in line with global best practices, with physical sessions reserved primarily for practicals.
While acknowledging challenges with hostel accommodation, Prof. Kuta assured students that management is engaging stakeholders to provide affordable off-campus housing solutions. The university currently serves a total student population of approximately 26,887.
The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the matriculation register. This act legally seals the students’ status as members of the university community. Parents, guardians, and dignitaries witnessed the occasion, which reaffirmed FUT Minna’s commitment to its motto, “Technology for Empowerment”.