The Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna) has officially opened a brand-new food and hospitality centre named the Alewa Canteen, aimed at improving the quality of life for students and staff on campus.

The canteen, located on the university’s Main Campus, was commissioned on Thursday, July 17, 2025. It was built through a partnership between FUT Minna and Shelter Suites and Hotel, a company owned by the respected family of Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Aliyu, the Sardauna of Minna.

Representing the Niger State Government at the event, Hajiya Zainab Mohammed, General Manager of the Niger State Tourism Corporation, officially unveiled the facility. She commended the project as a meaningful contribution to the development of the state and praised the Aliyu family’s long-standing commitment to public service.

FUT Minna’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, expressed gratitude to the Aliyu family for their continuous support of the university’s growth. “This canteen is more than a building—it’s a solution to a real problem. Our staff and students have long struggled with accessing quality meals due to the campus's distance from town. Alewa Canteen brings that solution closer,” he said.

The CEO of Shelter Suites and Hotel, Hajiya Maryam Ibrahim Aliyu, also spoke at the event. She shared the excitement of seeing the project completed after 18 months of planning and construction. “We’re honoured to contribute to FUT Minna’s development. Alewa Canteen will officially start operations in August and will serve high-quality meals to the university community,” she noted.

The canteen features a spacious dining area, restrooms, five staff offices, and several exterior outlets, including a shawarma stand, suya spot, and a barbing salon—designed to meet the daily needs of students and staff.

Prof. Abdullahi Mohammed, FUT Minna’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), described the project as a major boost to campus life, noting that it reflects local talent and has strong community impact. The Director of Physical Planning and Development, QS Aisha Mohammed, provided detailed insights into the facility’s design and construction.

Also speaking, Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Bashir Ganiyu, applauded Shelter Suites for recognizing and responding to student needs with vision and dedication.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, Alhaji Bala Mohammed of the Niger State Supply Company, university management, staff, students, and members of the Aliyu family.

With the launch of Alewa Canteen, FUT Minna takes a big step forward in enhancing campus welfare and providing sustainable, local solutions for its growing community.