Federal University of Transportation Daura (FUTD), Katsina State, has matriculated 529 new students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Speaking at the event over the weekend, the minister of transportation, Senator Said Alkali, reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to producing world-class transportation students to address the dearth of human capacity in the transportation industry with a deep focus on the Nigeria’s rejuvenated railway system.
The minister, who also represented President Bola Tinubu at the second matriculation ceremony of the university, said that while the institution will address the dire need for a transport-focused education, training, and research, it will also produce Nigerian experts that will utilise policy, law and industry practice to make the transport sector the pride of Nigerian economy.
He emphasised that government commitment was to drive towards building a new generation of transportation professionals who can compete globally, making the transport sector a critical driver of Nigeria’s economy.
Special adviser to the minister on media, Jibril Umar Alkali, said the minister noted that, “FUTD has made significant progress since its establishment, and I take pride in the institution’s rapid growth. The university is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa, focusing on transportation education, training, and research.
“It is our hope and aspirations to produce graduates of the highest quality who can compete favourably with other graduates all over the world.
“We will deliver on our mandate to disseminate specialised knowledge in all modes of transportation to produce Nigerian experts who will utilize policy, law, and industry practice to make the transport sector the pride of Nigeria’s economy.
“The matriculating students should count themselves lucky to be in the only specialized University of Transportation, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa. You should take advantage of this golden opportunity to be serious so that you will one day become the pride of this University, your parents, and the country at large.”
Also speaking, the vice chancellor of FUTD, Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, in his welcome address, explained that the university was established to safeguard and sustain the huge investments of the federal and state governments in the transportation sector while bridging the gap in human capacity development in the industry.
He stated that the university has a strong focus on transportation education, training, and research, especially in support of Nigeria’s rejuvenated railway system.
Also, the Pro-chancellor and chairman of governing council of the FUTD, Hon. Wahab Akanni Owokoniran, assured that no stone would be left unturned by the Council in putting the specialised University on a sound footing.
Dignitaries at the event included heads of tertiary institutions, captains of industry, Emirs of Katsina and Daura Emirates, represented by Durbin Katsina and Mayanan Daura, respectively.
