The Federal University of Transportation, Daura in Katsina State has matriculated 529 students for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, the Minister of Transportation, Ahmed Alkali who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulated the Governing Council, Senate, staff, and students on the milestone.
He said President Tinubu was impressed with the steady progress of the young institution, the first specialised transportation university in Nigeria and Africa.
“The matriculating students should count themselves fortunate to be admitted into this unique university. Take your studies seriously so you can become the pride of this institution, your parents, and the country,” the Minister advised.
Alkali commended the Katsina State government under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for its consistent support, while also praising the Vice Chancellor, Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, for his leadership in driving the university’s growth.
Recalling the institution’s modest beginnings, Alkali noted that when he assumed office in August 2022, the Vice Chancellor was the only appointed official. Despite that, the maiden matriculation took place in September 2024 for the 2023/2024 session.
“This second matriculation ceremony demonstrates the determination of the Ministry of Transportation, the Governing Council, Senate, and staff to keep the university firmly on track,” he said.
The minister applauded the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for its financial and technical support, which enabled the university to secure approvals, admit students through JAMB, and commence academic activities on December 29, 2023. He urged the firm to sustain its commitment by commencing the second phase of the university’s development project.
He also thanked Mota Engil Nigeria Limited for sponsoring aspects of the matriculation ceremony, describing the gesture as “monumental.”
Reaffirming government’s vision, Alkali stressed that the institution is mandated to produce highly skilled graduates to drive Nigeria’s transportation sector.
“Our aspiration is to make the Nigerian transport sector the pride of our economy. With the approval of the National Transportation Policy by the Federal Executive Council, we are on the right path to achieving this goal,” he declared.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Katsayal expressed appreciation to the federal government, corporate bodies, and individuals for their support, urging continued partnership to strengthen the university.
Highlights of the ceremony included donations of ₦50 million from Mota Engil, ₦10 million from the Katsina State government, and the signing of a multimillion-naira Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the university, the federal government, and ERSC International Company Limited to enhance learning and research.