By Muhammad Yankara
The Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund has commended the management of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, FUTD, for laying a solid foundation and maintaining quality in its take-off projects barely three years after establishment.
The Committee, led by Senator Muhammad Muntari Dandutse, representing Funtua Senatorial Zone, was in the university on Sunday, 6th September, 2026, for an oversight visit to TETFund projects and to sensitise students on the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFund.
Receiving the delegation at the permanent site of the university, the Vice-Chancellor, Hon. Prof. Umar Adam Katsayal, mni, welcomed the Senators and expressed delight at hosting the important personalities.
In his welcome address, Prof. Katsayal informed the Committee that FUTD was established in 2023 and already has 300-level students, some of whom are expected to graduate next year.
He said the university was established to build human capacity in the transportation sector to support the expansion currently being witnessed in the railway industry.
While appreciating the efforts of the National Assembly in ensuring affordable education for Nigerians, the VC urged the Committee to facilitate more TETFund projects for the institution, stressing that FUTD, being young and the only specialised transportation university in the country, requires more support to grow.
Prof. Katsayal also presented the university’s NELFund performance report for previous years to the Committee. He noted that apart from oversight, the Committee would be sensitising students on the benefits and proper utilisation of NELFund.
In his response, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Muhammad Muntari Dandutse, said the Committee had carried out similar oversight functions in institutions across the other five geopolitical zones of the country.
He commended the Vice-Chancellor for “laying a strong foundation” in the young university.
“We are here to ensure value for money on TETFund projects and also to assist in the provision of more infrastructure to accommodate the continuous advancement of the university,” he said.
Senator Dandutse urged the management to ensure effective utilisation of NELFund by students. He disclosed that the Committee is working on a proposal to increase students’ monthly upkeep from N20,000 to a higher amount.
The Committee was later taken round some ongoing TETFund projects in the university. Members commended the quality of work done and urged the management to sustain the tempo.
As part of the visit, the Committee paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, CON.
Introducing the delegation, Prof. Katsayal told the Emir that the Committee was at the palace to seek the royal blessings of His Highness. He explained that the Committee is responsible for oversight of TETFund projects and ensuring fair accessibility of NELFund by students across Nigerian universities.
Speaking, Senator Dandutse apologised to the Emir for the delay in their arrival, which he attributed to flight disruptions. He applauded the Emir for being a strong advocate of education.
“Daura Emirate is blessed to have a man of integrity whose interest is the development of his people,” the Senator said. He prayed for long life, good health and prosperity for the Emir.
In his response, the Emir, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, CON, commended the Senators for their patriotism and commitment to national service.
He disclosed that he had earlier invited Chief Imams and traditional title holders across the Emirate to receive the Committee, but they had to leave due to the delay.
The Emir reminded the Committee of the role played by the Emirate in ensuring the appointment of Prof. Katsayal as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor.
“Prof. Katsayal is a son of the Emirate known for his integrity and commitment to serve. I assure you he will not betray the trust of the Emirate and the nation. The university is developing rapidly under his leadership,” he said.
The Emir stressed that Daura Emirate, being the mother of all emirates in Northern Nigeria, attaches great importance to education as the bedrock of national development.
“The insecurity, drug abuse, armed robbery and other social vices we are witnessing today are all products of illiteracy. I want you to have the fear of God Almighty in your minds while carrying out your mandates,” he advised.
He commended the Senate and House of Representatives for supporting the President’s initiatives and ensuring development across sectors. He also called for synergy among the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, traditional rulers and religious leaders for the progress of the country.