The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) as the Oldest University of Technology in Nigeria, was established in 1980 by Executive fiat with the composition and appointment of the first provisional Council by Nigeria’s First Executive President, Shehu Shagari. It became the first of three such Universities set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria who sought to establish a University of Technology in each geo-political region and particularly in a State which did not have a conventional University

On November 28, 1980, in the premises of the Old Government Technical College (GTC), FUTO opened its doors to staff and students.

In January 1982 the Imo State government approved a permanent site for the University. FUTO engaged Messrs Concarplan – Enplan Group (a firm of Consultants) to design the physical plan for the University

Location

Located 25 kilometers south of Owerri, the selection of the site was guided by the advice of the National Universities Commission that a minimum area of ten thousand (10,000) acres or 4,048 hectares should be obtained based on the location, relative absence of human settlements within the area and other relevant factors.

FUTO is surrounded by a number of autonomous communities and homesteads all of which had contributed land acquired for the development of the University. These communities are Ihiagwa, Obinze, Umuoma, Nekede, Eziobodo, Avu, Okolochi, Obibiezena, and Emeabiam. It is bisected by a new road between Obinze and Naze which connects the two mentioned major roads. The Otamiri River traverses the site from North to South and with the beautiful vegetation in its river basin forms an important physical feature.

Establishment

FUTO was established to ensure Nigeria's technological development. It was the first of three universities of technology established by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Opening

FUTO opened its doors to students and staff on November 28, 1980 in the Old Government Technical College (GTC).

Permanent Site

In January 1982, the Imo State government approved a permanent site for the university. The site was selected based on advice from the National Universities Commission.

Library

The university library opened on November 9, 1981 with an initial stock of 2,500 books. The library moved to its permanent site in 1991.

General Studies Programme

The General Studies Programme began in 1981 with only English offered. By 1982, the programme expanded to include English, Philosophy, Economics, and Sociology.

FUTO is one of the oldest universities of technology in West Africa and the only federal university of technology in southeast Nigeria.