Prof. Stella Zubairu Retires from FUTMinna After Three Decades of Academic Excellence

The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) recently hosted a distinguished send-forth ceremony to honor Prof. (Mrs.) Stella N. Zubairu, a stalwart of the Department of Architecture, following her official retirement on February 8, 2026.

The event, held on Monday, February 16, at the School of Environmental Technology (SET) Board Room, Main Campus, brought together university management, colleagues, and industry professionals to celebrate a career spanning over 30 years of dedicated service.

In his opening remarks, the Head of the Department of Architecture, Prof. Muhammad Isa Bala, lauded Prof. Zubairu as a "guardian of excellence." He emphasized that her unwavering discipline and integrity were instrumental in establishing the high academic and administrative standards the department enjoys today.

“She was more than a lecturer; she was a mentor and a mother to many,” Prof. Bala stated, noting that her influence is deeply embedded in the institution's policies and the character of its alumni.

The ceremony drew participation from key figures in the Nigerian architectural landscape. Arch. Aliyu Yerima, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Niger State Chapter, commended Prof. Zubairu for her commitment to ethical practice and professional development. He noted that her impact is visible in the caliber of graduates currently excelling in the industry nationwide.

Other notable speakers, including former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Oluwole Morenikeji, highlighted her significant contributions to:

Postgraduate development and research.

Successful departmental accreditations.

The integration of sustainability into the architectural curriculum.

Enhancing interdepartmental synergy within the School of Environmental Technology.

Responding to the tributes, Prof. Zubairu expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the university community. Reflecting on her 30-year journey, she described her tenure as a period of profound growth and collective success. She concluded with a charge to younger academics, urging them to prioritize integrity and excellence in their pursuit of knowledge and service.

The high-profile event concluded with the presentation of gifts and a ceremonial cake cutting, marking the end of an era for one of the university’s most respected academic leaders.