The Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Katsina State, has announced plans to send its students to China, Russia, and the United Kingdom for practical training as part of its efforts to deliver world-class education in transportation and engineering.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Umar Katsayal, disclosed this during a media briefing held on campus Thursday. He explained that the move is part of a collaboration with the Chinese company handling the university’s construction and development.
Under the plan, students will follow a “3+2 model,” spending the first three years in Nigeria studying theory, followed by two years abroad for hands-on practical experience.
“This approach is aimed at producing well-rounded graduates who are not only academically grounded but also equipped with global-standard practical skills,” Katsayal said.
He cited a previous example where selected students from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, were sent to China under a similar arrangement. Many of those students have since returned and are now serving as pioneer academic staff at the Daura-based university.
Katsayal acknowledged the challenges of running a new university, particularly with regards to funding, and appealed to the Federal Government for more financial support to meet operational and maintenance needs.
“We are a young institution with great potential, but we need increased government support to meet rising costs and expand our facilities,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that the university is now among institutions eligible for funding from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). This support, he said, would help improve infrastructure, staff development, and academic quality.
He further outlined a series of plans aimed at modernising education delivery at the university. These include the introduction of smart classrooms, expanded virtual learning platforms, and green campus initiatives such as solar-powered facilities.
To meet the growing demand in the transport sector, the university also plans to launch new programmes in transportation security, aviation technology, smart transport systems, and sustainable urban mobility.
Short and executive courses tailored for professionals and policymakers will also be introduced soon, providing an avenue for continued education and industry collaboration.
Katsayal said the university’s research focus will include cutting-edge areas such as autonomous vehicles, green logistics, and sustainable transport innovation. “We aim to be a centre of excellence not just in teaching, but also in research and industry partnerships,” he said.
Established as the first of its kind in Nigeria and West Africa, the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, is a specialised institution designed to support the development of Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure and workforce.
With ongoing collaborations both locally and internationally, the university is positioning itself as a major hub for training the next generation of transport engineers, planners, and managers who can contribute to national and global development.
