The Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Katsina State, has celebrated its second matriculation ceremony, marking another milestone in its journey towards becoming a leading institution for academic excellence and innovation in transportation engineering, management, and planning. The ceremony, which was attended by distinguished guests, parents, and guardians of the matriculating students, was a grand affair that showcased the university’s commitment to academic excellence.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Hon. Prof. Umar Adam Katsayal, highlighted the university’s achievements despite several challenges. He noted that the university has recorded significant progress since its establishment, including the successful conduct of resource verification and approval of 14 take-off academic programs by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Prof. Katsayal also disclosed that the university has incorporated several limited liability companies to generate revenue internally. These companies include FUTD Investments Ltd, FUTD Security and Guards Ltd, FUTD Health Insurance Ltd, FUTD Eco-Cleaning Ltd, FUTD Eco-Transport Services Ltd, and FUTD Restaurant and Catering Services Ltd. The university has subscribed for only 50% shares in all the companies, while 30% goes to practitioners in the designated area and 20% to the host community.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to the Katsina State Government for its support and cooperation. He noted that the state government has provided a 281-hectare piece of land for the university’s permanent site and has also supported the university with a coaster bus and an ambulance vehicle. The university is situated in a strategic location, with easy access to the Mal. Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport, Katsina, and the Kaduna-Kano Segment of the Lagos-Kano Railway line.
Prof. Katsayal also appreciated the support of the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, which has contributed significantly to the university’s development. The company has sponsored many young Nigerians to study transport-related courses in China and has also supported the university in maintenance of some of its facilities.
The university has established partnerships with several institutions and organizations, including the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Information Technology Development Agency, and the University of Lincoln, United Kingdom. These partnerships are aimed at strengthening the university’s research and academic capabilities.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s plans to expand its campus infrastructure, including lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, and staff and students’ accommodations. The university is also integrating modern technology in teaching, with plans to introduce smart classrooms and expand virtual learning platforms.
Despite the university’s achievements, Prof. Katsayal noted that there are still several challenges that require urgent attention. These include funding constraints, rising costs of running the university, infrastructure gaps, and the need for provision of state-of-the-art facilities. The university is also facing challenges in attracting and retaining top academic talents due to its special nature.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the matriculating students to take note of the university’s core values and to avoid all forms of social vices. He advised them to utilize the opportunity provided to them by the university and their parents and to work hard to achieve academic excellence.
Professor Katsayal congratulated the matriculating students and wished them a fruitful and successful stay in the university. He also appreciated the support of the university’s stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the NUC, and the Katsina State Government.
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