To bridge the human capacity gap in the railway sector, the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, has matriculated approximately 529 new students for its 2024/2025 academic session.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while speaking at the Matriculation ceremony of the students held at the university campus, Daura, Kastina State, reiterated the commitment of the federal government in producing world-class transportation students to address the dearth of human capacity in the transportation industry.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, mentioned that the university was poised to address the dire need for a transport-focused education, training, and research-based, 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.

The minister emphasised their commitment to drive a new generation of transportation professionals who can compete globally to make the sector a critical driver of Nigeria’s economy.

He said, “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 utilise policy, law, and industry practice to make the transport sector the pride of Nigeria’s economy.”

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 the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (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.