ASUU FUTMINNA Honours Five Retiring Professors at Valedictory Congress

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University of Technology, Minna hosted a Valedictory Congress in honour of five Retiring Professors from the University. The event was held on Wednesday, 1 July, 2026 at the ASUU Secretariat, Main Campus. 

The five distinguished Professors are: Prof. Helmina Olufunmilayo Akanya of the School of Life Sciences (SLS), Prof. Stella Nonyelum Zubairu of the School of Environmental Technology (SET), Prof. Folorunso Aberuagba of the School of Infrastructure, Process Engineering and Technology (SIPET), Prof. Matthew Gimba Kolo of the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) and Prof. Sulyman Aremu Olanrewaju of the School of Environmental Technology (SET). 

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta appreciated the celebrants for their mentorship and dedication to serve over the years, while recounting some fond memories he and other staff had shared with the celebrants, the VC assured them that the University is willing to retain them on contract so that the institution can continue to benefit from their wealth of knowledge and their continuous guidance especially in the aspects of the newly introduced courses. He appreciated them for inspiring the younger staff, and their support and contribution to the progress of the institution.

Prof. Kuta also used the opportunity to thank the ASUU Union for it purposeful leadership which shows that they appreciate the contribution of the retired elders of the union, adding that the sacrifices and advancement made by most of it members is commendable, while urging them to keep pushing the University forward.

While delivering his speech, the Chairperson, ASUU FUT, Minna, Prof. Luqman Kunle Oyewobi stated that the ceremony is a moment heavy with meaning, gratitude and reflection, adding that the best way to honour the retiring Professors is not just by plagues and speeches, it is by defending the University system they gave their lives to build. " To the retiring Professors, we say go well but do not go far because we will still need your wisdom, seek your counsel and draw strength from your wealth of experience" He stressed. 

Earlier in his opening address, the Chairman of the organising committee, Prof. Ambali Saka Abdulkareem speaks on why the Congress matter and why every member of ASUU FUT, Minna must embrace, sustain and deepen the tradition, adding that the Committee was task with the responsibility of coming up with the best form of honouring it members, hence the valedictory Congress. He also called on members to key into this new initiative. "to our five distinguished Professors, you did not simply pass through this university, you are woven into it. The department you led, students you trained and the research you published and the institutional structure you help build, they are the living architecture of the University that exist today. " He emphasized. 

The event also featured good will messages from the school representatives of the celebrants who they discribe as a success and a great blessing to the University, who still maintain their integrity, pacesetters and accomplished scholars in their respective fields. They also appreciated them for the foundations they layed in their various schools which is still emulated till today, adding that they have left a footprint that can not be erase because they have mentored and Nurtured a lot of people in the academic community.

In their responses, the five celebrants appreciated the Vice-chancellor for celebrating with them and ASUU for honouring them, adding that the Union has been very supportive of it members especially for the struggles they continue to wage for the progress of the institution and it members, while praying that ASUU will keep getting stronger, adding that they are all proud to be a member of this vibrant community who is rewarding their years of struggle with this valedictory Congress.

In his vote of thanks, the Vice chairman, ASUU, FUT, Minna Prof. Ismail Oyeleke Olarinoye thanked everyone present for making the event impactful and memorable. He extended his gratitude to the five retiring Professors and wish them all the best in this new stage of their lives, while using the opportunity to appreciate the Union and the Committee members for a job well done.