Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) honored the 95th birthday of its pioneer and first-ever Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jonathan Osman Ndagi.

In a heartfelt ceremony that bridged the institution's past and present, the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) honored the 95th birthday of its pioneer and first-ever Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jonathan Osman Ndagi.

Born on November 12, 1929, Professor Ndagi was appointed the foundational Vice-Chancellor when the university was established in 1983, steering its course through its critical formative years until 1990.

A Celebration of Foundational Legacy

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, led a university delegation to Professor Ndagi's residence in Minna. Professor Kuta presented a birthday card on behalf of the university community, praising the nonagenarian as "a symbol of wisdom, service, and enduring impact" for FUT Minna.

He assured Professor Ndagi that the university leadership remains dedicated to preserving the clean, green, and peaceful campus environment that was a cornerstone of his original vision.

**Briefing a Pioneer on Modern Growth**

The visit was also an opportunity to update the founding father on the university's contemporary progress. A key development shared was the recent creation of the College of Medical Sciences, marking a significant expansion of the university's academic scope.

Furthermore, Professor Kuta informed him that FUT Minna is undergoing an international accreditation process by the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), a step that aims to align the institution's standards with leading universities in the United Kingdom.

**Reflections from the Founding Father**

In his response, a delighted Professor Ndagi expressed deep gratitude for the visit and the honor. He reflected on the university's early days, recalling its reputation for excellence in science and technology. He noted that during the dawn of computing in Nigeria, the Federal Government frequently sent its officials to FUT Minna for computer training, highlighting the institution's pioneering role.

Profile of a Pioneer

Professor Jonathan O. Ndagi is an educator and administrator of significant repute. He holds an MS in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin, USA, following earlier studies in Nigeria. Before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, he served as a teacher at Government College Bida, among other institutions.

His service has been recognized with national honors, including Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR). He also bears the traditional chieftaincy title of Wazirin Makaranta Nupe. Beyond administration, he is a noted author of academic texts, such as "The Essentials of Research Methodology for Nigerian Educators" (1984).

The celebration concluded with a birthday prayer for Professor Ndagi's continued well-being, offered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Uno E. Uno.