“Unique in form, standard in structure and has satisfied the requirement of the National University Commission (NUC).”
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
In a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s transportation sector, the Federal University of Transportation, Nigeria (FUTRAN) has officially been handed over to the Federal Ministry of Transportation after the completion of its first phase.
In a statement signed by Olujimi Oyeyomi, Director of Press and Public relations of Ministry of Transportation stated that:
The university, which was built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of its corporate social responsibility, was inaugurated in a ceremony presided over by the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Ahmed Alkali.
Speaking at the event, Alkali commended the CCECC for this “marvellous undertaking” in support of Nigeria’s educational development. He noted that in addition to constructing the university, the Chinese firm has also built the Kajola Rail Wagon Assembly Plant in Oyo State and sponsored around 200 Nigerian undergraduate students to study in various universities in China.
Describing the new university, Alkali stated that it is “unique in form, standard in structure and has satisfied the requirement of the National University Commission (NUC),” leading to the enactment of the enabling Act in 2022. The minister also praised the role of the pioneer Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umar Adam Katsayal, in facilitating the completion of the first phase of the project.
The Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Umar Dikko Radda, where the university is located, expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government for siting the institution in Daura, as well as to former President Muhammadu Buhari under whose administration the decision was made, and the current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for ensuring the continuation of the project.
The CCECC Chairman, Jason Zhang, revealed that the university was a $50 million investment by the company, which has also provided over 600 jobs during the implementation of the project. He stated that the establishment of FUTRAN is a testament to the excellent relationship between Nigeria and China.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Katsayal, applauded the CCECC and the Federal Ministry of Transportation for their support in actualizing the university, which he described as the first of its kind in Africa. He called on Nigerians to take advantage of the institution, which has been approved by the NUC to commence 14 courses in the 2023/2024 academic session.
With its focus on transportation-related disciplines, FUTRAN is poised to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s efforts to develop a world-class transportation infrastructure and equip the youth with the necessary skills to drive the sector’s growth. The inauguration of this pioneering institution marks a significant milestone in the country’s quest for technological advancement and economic progress.
