By ABBAS BAMALLDAURA

The Federal University of Transportation Daura (FUTD), in Katsina, says it has concluded plan for a Transport Entrepreneurship and Innovation Course.

This is through the launching of a Transportation Innovation and Start-Up Hub for students of the institution.

Its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umar Adam-Katsayal, disclosed this in Daura on Saturday, during the 2nd matriculation of the institution, for the 2024/2025 academic session.

According to the vice chancellor, the plan is aimed at supporting at least 50 per cent of its graduates to access job placements, internships and start-ups, annually.

?It is our belief that with proper collaboration and partnership, we will be able to achieve greater success, innovation with positive impact, and consequently achieving the mission of the university.

?The mission is to be a leading institution for academic excellence and innovations in transportation engineering, management/planning, logistics and supply chain in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

?We also have plans to expand the campus infrastructure, including lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, staff and students? accommodations, in accordance with the provisions of its academic brief and campus master plan.

?The university is integrating modern technology in teaching, with plans to introduce smart classrooms and expand virtual learning platforms,? Adam-Katsayal said.

According to him, sustainability initiatives such as solar-powered facilities and green campus are also being prioritised as the prospects of the university.

He noted that the university was set to expand its academic offerings to include programmes in transportation security, aviation technology, smart transport systems, and sustainable urban mobility.

The V-C further revealed that short and executive courses would soon be introduced to satisfy the need of the working class and executive officers.

He said: ?The university has also planned to intensify research efforts in autonomous vehicles and green logistics, as well as sustain staff capacity building and industry partnerships.

?These prospects are anchored on the envious potentials of the university, which include strong commitment from supervising ministries, regulatory agencies, wide range of researchable and developmental areas that can attract endowments and fundings.

?And also the availability of relevant industries and start-ups for employment after graduation, availability and willingness of relevant organisations to collaborate, partner with the university and global demand for professionals, skills and services in the transportation industry.?

He told the students to take note that the goal of the university ?is to nurture professionals who will not only solve the current challenges of the transportation industry? but also drive innovation, research and technological advancement in the sector.

?I urge you to embrace the core values that the university stands for, as they will not only guide you through your academic sojourn but will also shape you into becoming the future leaders of our great nation, Nigeria, and probably the world at large,? he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Sa?idu Alkali, urged the 529 matriculating students to count themselves lucky to be in the only specialised university which is the first of its kind in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

?You should take advantage of this opportunity to be serious so that you will one day become the pride of the university, your parents and the country at large.

?It is our hope and aspiration to produce graduates of highest quality who can compete favorably with other graduates all over the world.

?I?m assuring you all that, we?ll deliver on our mandate to disseminate specialised knowledge in all modes of transportation to produce Nigerian experts that will utilise policy, law and industry practice to make the transport sector the pride of Nigerian economy.? (NAN)

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