By Fatima Zahra Aliyu
The Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria, has partnered with China Railway Signal and Communication International Company to train staff of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigerian Railway Corporation, and the University on railway signaling and control.
The training programme, which kicked off on Thursday, 20th November 2025, in Beijing, China, is a significant milestone achievement under the framework of the tripartite cooperation agreement signed on 16th August 2025, between the three parties.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Hon. Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, mni, expressed gratitude to the governments of China and Nigeria for creating an enabling environment for the training programme.
“We are gathered here today to witness the opening ceremony of this specialized training programme, which is a significant milestone achievement under the framework of the tripartite cooperation agreement signed on 16th August 2025,” Prof. Katsayal said.
He thanked China Railway Signal and Communication International Company for hosting the event and expressed confidence that the partnership between China and Nigeria would benefit both countries.
“The participants to this training were not only selected from the university alone but also from the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Federal Ministry of Transportation,” Prof. Katsayal said.
“This is because, while the University is building the required manpower, NRC is the main operator of the railway industry, whereas the Ministry plays the role of policy making and mother to both the University and the NRC.”
Prof. Katsayal urged participants to take the opportunity seriously and make the most of the training programme. “I have no doubt that our minds will be wide opened and we will be better informed about railway signaling, control, and communication systems; the modernization of China; as well as the rich culture and traditions of Chinese people,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also thanked the Honourable Minister, Nigerian Embassy in China, for graining the occasion and expressed confidence that the partnership between China and Nigeria would benefit both countries.
The training programme is expected to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants in railway signaling, control, and communication systems, and promote cultural diplomacy between China and Nigeria.
The ceremony was attended by Amb. Mrs. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, mni, Honourable Minister, Embassy of Nigeria, Beijing, and Mr. Gray Li (Hongsheng Li), Chairman, China Railway Signal and Communication International Company, among other dignitaries.