Bago tasks FUT Minna to contribute to New Niger vision
By : Our Correspondent
The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has tasked the authorities of the Federal University of Technology Minna to contribute to the New Niger vision of his government.
He challenged the institution to bridge the gap between the town and the gown by conducting research that would stimulate economic development in the State.
Bago threw the challenge at the institution on Thursday during the FUT Minna 31st and 32nd combined convocations and 41st Founders Day ceremonies in which he was represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba.
“The New Niger Initiative relies on evidence-based research to drive economic growth and prosperity for all. The Federal University of Technology, Minna should intensify its efforts in conducting research that not only stimulates economic development but also contributes significantly to the pursuit of the New Niger to bridge the gap between the town and the gown,” Bago said.
The Governor noted that in the pursuit of the New Niger Agenda, his Government recognise the rapid emergence of science and technology as a cornerstone for development.
Farmer Bago said “it is a fact that the Federal University of Technology, Minna plays a pivotal role in national development, particularly in the realm of Agriculture, Technology, engineering, and innovation. This we believe is in tandem with the new Niger agenda and our ongoing push to leverage the synergy between technology and agriculture to advance frontiers in driving our state’s economic prospects and ensuring food security,” he said.
He disclosed that the Niger State Government had a record of support and collaboration with the FUT Minna, and is set to renew some of the partnerships especially to fulfill it commitment to training a skilled and innovative workforce.
“Together, we can nurture a pool of talents equipped to drive the New Niger Innovative agenda where entrepreneurship and ICT are pivotal in shaping a positive economic outlook for our state, and FUT Minna’s role in cultivating these skills is invaluable,” he stressed. .
Stating further that the university’s ambition to become a world-class institution and Nigeria’s leading University recognised for its excellence in capacity building and service delivery with a mandate in community service will not be well acknowledged without its contribution to the pursuit of the New Niger agenda of the Government.
Mr Governor urged the university to intensify research in renewable energy, urban renewal, and eco-friendly approaches that the state will be willing to patronise as it will not only stimulate the economy but also create avenues to engage the youth and aligning with the vision of his administration.
In his address the vice chancellor Professor Faruk Adamu kuta ecpressed appriciation to all that contributed to the success of the ceremonies and urged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the institution.
Present at the ceremony includes Representative of the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Members of the State Executive Council,emirs of Minna Alh Dr Umar Faruk Bahago and that of Agaie Alh Yusuf Nuhu, professors from the academia and others too Numerous to mention.
