The Federal University of Technology Yola is a research intensive university located in Yola, the capital city of Adamawa State in Northeastern Nigeria. It is one of the 27 universities part of the federal government university system and one of only 4 federal technology universities established with the sole purpose of advancing science based research. The Federal University of Technology Yola is accredited by the National Universities Commission. The university offers associate's, bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees.
In 1980, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in response to a nationally acclaimed need for skilled manpower, established seven more Universities to be situated at Abeokuta, Akure, Bauchi, Makurdi, Minna, Owerri and Yola. Professor Ethelbert N. Chukwu, a mathematician and staff of the University of Jos was appointed the first Vice Chancellor of the University of Yola in 1981. His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabir Usman, the Emir of Katsina, became the first Chancellor while His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabir Umar, the Emir of Katagum, was appointed the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council.
In 1983, FUTY admitted its first batch of 214 students during the 1982/83 academic session into the School of Management Science and the Remedial Science Programme. In June 1984, FUTY was merged with the University of Maiduguri by the Federal Military Government under General Buhari, and became formally known as Modibbo Adama College, University of Maiduguri. A deputy Vice Chancellor was posted from University of Maiduguri to head the college. In 1986, the Federal Military Government under General Ibrahim Babangida in recognition of the need for technologically oriented manpower, promulgated decree No.13 1986 in which five Universities were demerged and established into Federal Universities of Technology. The Federal University of Technology, Yola (FUTY) was demerged from the University of Maiduguri, and Dr. Tijani Suleiman (later Professor) was appointed Vice Chancellor and assumed duty in April 1988. FUTY commenced full operations as a Federal University of Technology and graduated her first set of students numbering 108 in 1988/89 session. The University commenced undergraduate degree programmes under four schools namely: School of Science and Technology Education (SSTE), School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET), School of Environmental Science (SES) and School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT).
In its desire to pursue its primary goal of inception (technology for development) it commenced the award of Postgraduate programmes by creating a School of Postgraduate Studies (SPGS) and also expanding older schools and establishing new ones. These include: School of Science and Technology Education (SSTE) was expanded to School of Pure and Applied Science (SPAS) and School of Technology and Science Education (STSE) while School of Management and Information Technology (SMIT) was newly established. Presently, the University offers admission into undergraduate, postgraduate and consultancy programs including diploma and certificate programs, distance learning and sandwich programs. The University advertises all her programmes into which students can be admitted in UME/DE JAMB brochures as well as on national dailies, TVs and Radio stations, her Notice Boards and of course, on her website.
FUTY is highly regarded for its ground breaking records in various areas among other established institutions of higher learning particularly in Nigeria and Africa at large. For instance, FUTY is the first and still the only university in Nigeria that offers Operations Research at Undergraduate level (and runs the programme in the same course up to doctorate level). FUTY is also the first university in Nigeria to commence the award of first degrees in Information and Communication Technology. All these have attracted very notable investments from local and international companies and organisation in the funding of research and other educational facilities. These include the state-of-the-art CHEVRON Biotechnology centre, the only one of its kind in the entire sub-Saharan Africa, built and funded by CHEVRON NIG. LTD., ERRICSSON GSM Training and Research centre, built and funded by ERRICSSON, PROF. JIBRIN AMINU ICT Centre, built and equipped by a one time minister of Education, Minister of Petroleum, Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States and presently a Senator representing Yola Senatorial district, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Cybercafé, Educational Trust Funds projects, to mention but a few.
The Federal University of Technology Yola boasts of several facilities which serve as research, student welfare, and recreation and for academic and training purposes. these include: University Lodges, University Primary and Secondary Schools, Commercial Guest House, FUTY Table Water, FUTY Farm, ERRICSSON Research centre, CHEVRON Biotech Centre, Vertinary Clinic and Research Centre, Computer Centre, Medical Centre, Centre for Distance Learning, Centre for Equipment Maintenance and Industrial Training, Students Centre, University Multipurpose Centre, University Sports Centre, ICT Centre, etc.
FUTY graduands have been in the fore front in both character and learning in various sectors of the Nigerian economy and beyond the shores of Nigeria. Notable among whom is Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr., a former Minister for Information, former Minister of Internal Affairs and a one-time Special Adviser to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Inter Political Parties. The University has an Alumni Relations Office, under the Office of the Vice Chancellor, headed by an Ag. Coordinator. The Alumni office primarily relates with the Alumni associations across the globe in the interest of the University by strengthening FUTY Alumni associations where present and supporting the establishment of alumni associations where not present. The FUTY Alumni association have a global headquarters in Yola, Nigeria and branch alumni associations in several states in Nigeria, the UK, America and other parts of the globe.
FUTY since inception in 1983 has graduated 15 sets in 15 convocation ceremonies and have been administered by five Vice Chancellors. Its principal officers include a Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Registrar, Bursar, Director of Academic Planning Unit, Director of Physical Planning Unit, Director of Works, Director of Establishment, Director of Academic Registry, and of course the University Librarian. The University presently has an Vice Chancellor in the person of Prof. B.H. Usman, A Professor of Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Management, who also served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) in the past administration.
The University administrative structure is composed of the Council and Senate. The Governing Council is the highest policy making body in the University. It has the power to make laws for the general administration of the University and its finances. The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council in the person of Ambassador Bukar Mele, and some members are appointed by the Federal Government, based on their merit taking cognizance of their experience in public and private sectors, while some are elected from within the University community i.e. from senate, alumni, Congregation and Convocation. The Vice-Chancellor who is the Chief Executive is appointed by the Federal Government. Senate has the supreme authority on all academic matters of the University. It is composed of the Vice-Chancellor, as Chairman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Deans of Schools, all professors, the University Librarian, Representatives of School Boards and those appointed by the Vice-Chancellor in accordance with the University law. The University has a very conducive and peaceful learning atmosphere, a friendly and hospitable community and several recreational facilities and activities (sports, clubs, associations, societies, etc).