President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s dedication to training world-class transportation experts to address the shortage of human resources in the transportation sector, with a strong emphasis on Nigeria’s revitalized railway system.
The President gave the assurance at the second matriculation ceremony of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria, 2024/2025 academic session.
Tinubu, in his welcome remarks at the event, noted that while the institution will address the dire need for a transport-focused education, training, and research-based program, it will also produce Nigerian experts who will utilise policy, law, and industry practice to make the transport sector the pride of the Nigerian economy.
He stated that the institution matriculated 529 new students for the 2024/2025 academic session, which marked another milestone in its journey to become a leading institution for transportation education.
The President, represented by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, emphasised that government commitment is driven towards building a new generation of transportation professionals who can compete globally, making the transport sector a critical driver of Nigeria’s economy.
He said, “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 aspiration 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.” He emphasizes
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.
He further added that CCECC Nigeria Limited, the construction giant behind the Lagos–Kano Railway Modernisation Project, had contributed to the development of the university as part of its corporate social responsibility