By Mohammed Abubakar
The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), in partnership with Shelter Suites and Hotel, has officially commissioned the Alewa Canteen , a new food and hospitality hub designed to improve the quality of campus life for students and staff.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, 17th July 2025, at the Main Campus, marked a significant milestone in the University’s drive to provide accessible and quality amenities. Shelter Suites and Hotel, owned by the esteemed family of Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Aliyu, the Sardaunan Minna, funded and executed the project.
The canteen was formally commissioned by Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, General Manager, Niger State Tourism Corporation, who commended the project as a positive contribution to the state’s development and praised the Aliyu family for their enduring legacy of service.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Aliyu family for their consistent support of the University’s development initiatives.
“The family of Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Aliyu has been a pillar of support to FUT, Minna over the years. This canteen project is a testament to their unwavering commitment to our institution’s growth ‘, Prof. Kuta noted.
He highlighted the challenges faced by staff and students in accessing quality food due to the campus’s distance from Minna town and emphasized that the Alewa Canteen aligns with FUT Minna’s mission to promote local solutions and sustainable development.
Speaking on behalf of Shelter Suites and Hotel, the CEO, Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim Aliyu, expressed her appreciation for the collaboration with the University.
“We are honoured to be part of this achievement after over 18 months of planning and construction, we are thrilled to see Alewa Canteen come to life. We look forward to officially stating operation in August and providing quality meals to the University community ‘, she said.
The Director of Physical Planning and Development, QS Aisha Mohammed, provided a breakdown of the facility’s features. These include a main dining hall, restrooms, five staff offices, and exterior outlets such as a shawarma joint, suya spot, and a barbing salon.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Abdullahi Mohammed, described the project as a major upgrade for campus life, emphasizing its local craftsmanship and community impact.
Earlier in the event, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Bashir Ganiyu, welcomed attendees and praised Shelter Suites for its vision and responsiveness to student needs.
Dignitaries present included Ambassador Zubairu Dada, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Alhaji Bala Mohammed of the Niger State Supply Company; University Management staff; students; and members of the Aliyu family.