Story

FUTO Cafe is located at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), a federal government-owned institution covering about 4,400 acres on the city’s outskirts. Our journey to establish this café has been both rewarding and challenging, primarily due to the financial investment required. We utilized personal savings and borrowed funds for this capital-intensive project, driven by our passion for creating a welcoming dining space for students—an essential service that was previously lacking on campus.

The café features a variety of facilities designed to cater to the diverse needs of the university community:
– **A 200-seater main café**: This is the heart of FUTO Cafe, where students can gather to enjoy meals and socialize.
– **An exclusive lounge for lecturers**: This space provides faculty members with a comfortable area to relax and dine.
– **A game zone**: A recreational area for students to unwind and engage in fun activities.
– **A bakery**: Offering fresh baked goods to enhance the dining experience.
– **A pharmacy/mini-mart**: Providing convenience for students and staff needing essentials.
– **A phone shop**: Catering to communication needs with phone accessories and services.
– **An ice cream, pizza, and shawarma stand**: Offering quick and popular snack options.

Our team comprises 47 staff members, primarily young adults under 30, many of whom are local residents. Their dedication is crucial to our success, as they not only support themselves but also their families.

Operating FUTO Cafe comes with its own set of challenges, especially in Nigeria’s difficult business environment. One major issue we face is unreliable electricity, which forces us to depend on generators. This reliance results in significant fuel costs. Additionally, we contend with rising expenses for raw materials, which further strain our financial resources.

Despite these challenges, our vision extends beyond FUTO Cafe. We aim to replicate our successful model in other universities across Nigeria, addressing the similar dining challenges faced by many government-owned institutions. Furthermore, we are planning to establish cafeterias in hospitals, with one project currently under development.

To sustain our growth and improve our services, we seek funding to increase our working capital. This investment would enable us to purchase additional equipment and inventory, renovate our facilities for a refreshed appearance, and support our expansion plans. Our commitment to enhancing dining conditions for students and the broader community remains at the core of our mission with FUTO Cafe.