By Waziri Isa Adam

Federal University of Transportation, Daura, (FUTD), the first specialized university of its kind in the African Continent, has matriculated 478 students in fourteen duly accredited disciplines.

Speaking during the maiden matriculation ceremony of the university on Saturday in Daura, Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’id Ahmed Alkali, revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given approval for the financing of the University under the 2024 Appropriation Act.

The Minister also reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to developing Nigeria’s transportation sector through education.

He emphasized the significance of the university in producing experts who will utilize policy, law, and industry practice to make the transport sector a key contributor to the Nigerian economy.

Alkali who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the university, described the gesture as the federal government’s demonstration of its dedication to establishing a specialized institution focused on transportation engineering, logistics, and related courses.

The Minister also praised the people and government of Katsina State for hosting the university, particularly the state’s Governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, for consolidating previous commitments towards the university.

He highlighted the Ministry’s achievements, including securing financial support from CCECC, appointing principal officers, and placing the university on the JAMB portal.

CCECC Nigeria Limited’s contribution to the university’s development was particularly noteworthy. The company constructed the university as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and provided financial support, facilitating the university’s operational setup.

Cross section of the students

With the university now operational, the Federal Government aims to produce experts who will contribute to the development of Nigeria’s transportation sector. This initiative is expected to strengthen the sector’s capacity and drive economic growth.

The Minister expressed gratitude to CCECC Nigeria Limited for its unprecedented contributions and appealed for sustained support in the second phase of the project. He congratulated the pioneer students, urging them to take advantage of this unique opportunity to acquire knowledge and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

Speaking earlier, Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, who poured encomium on the Minister for his unwavering support, interest and passion for the university, revealed that a total of 478 first set of the students were matriculated.

Professor Katsayal reminded the students that the goal of the university is to nurture professionals who will not only solve the current challenges of transportation in the industry, but also drive innovation, research, and technological advancement in the sector. “You should therefore count yourselves lucky for being the pioneers in this noble vision”, he admonished them.

“Today, as you formally become members of this prestigious institution, I urge you to embrace the core values that the university stands for, as they will not only guide you through your academic journey, but, will also shape you into leaders of our great nation, and probably the world at large”, Professor Katsayal stated.

He therefore urged the successful students to avoid all forms of social vices such as drugs abuse, cultism, examination malpractice and stealing, and be the good ambassadors of their parents.

“I admonish you to utilize the opportunity provided to you by the university and your parents” he stressed

The Vice Chancellor listed some of his achievements with the period of just one year to include – successful formation of competent and dedicated management team and staff who have been working tirelessly to make the university the pride of Africa, successful enlistment of the university into beneficiaries of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Nigerian Education Loan Fund, among others earlier listed by the Honorable Minister.

He specifically thanked the katsina governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda PhD for his unparalleled efforts towards the smooth take off of the university.

The Vice Chancellor also thanked the National Universities Commission, TETFund and all relevant educational agencies for their support.

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