By Urile Ihotu
Daura, Katsina State. The Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), marked its second anniversary with a landmark technological achievement—the official commissioning of a world-class ICT Centre funded by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
At a commemorative press briefing on Tuesday, Vice Chancellor Professor Umar Adamu Katsayal reflected on the institution’s journey, describing it as a “remarkable period of growth and resilience,” especially given the challenges typically faced by new universities. He lauded the university’s ability to commence academic activities in its founding year an uncommon feat among Nigeria’s emerging institutions.
Over the past two years, FUTD has forged strategic partnerships with renowned organizations and academic institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), the NCC, and Russia’s University of Transport. It has also engaged with key industry regulators such as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
In a major boost to its academic development, the university has recently qualified for intervention from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which the Vice Chancellor believes will enhance infrastructure and staff training.
However, Professor Katsayal was candid about the hurdles ahead. He cited inadequate funding as a pressing issue impacting key operations such as student accommodation, campus security, academic materials, and reliable power supply. The university currently runs off the national electricity grid, relying on diesel generators and inverter systems—a situation he described as “unsustainable” for an institution with global ambitions.
Despite the challenges, FUTD remains firmly focused on its long-term vision. The university is executing a 15-year strategic plan, divided into three five-year phases, aimed at building a globally competitive institution in transportation and logistics education.
A key highlight of the anniversary celebration was the commissioning of the NCC-funded ICT Park, a state-of-the-art digital centre designed to foster technological innovation. The facility was officially inaugurated by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who described the initiative as part of the Commission’s broader agenda to “empower institutions and drive Nigeria’s digital economy.”
“The ICT Park is equipped to train students in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, transport engineering, logistics technology, and the Internet of Things,” Dr. Maida stated.
The facility includes:
- A 100-seater digital auditorium
- Five specialized tech development labs
- A 24-seat digital relaxation hub
- Multiple innovation and collaboration spaces
Professor Katsayal expressed deep gratitude to the NCC, stating that the centre will not only benefit students but also serve as a vital tech hub for the Daura community and Katsina State at large.
“This investment aligns with the national digital strategy and supports the vision of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, in positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation,” he added.
As the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, celebrates its second year, the combination of visionary planning, strategic partnerships, and government support positions it to become a trailblazer in transport education on the continent.
