The Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Katsina, says plans to ensure that students of the institution go to China and Russia for their practicals are in the pipeline.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Umar Adam-Katsayal, disclosed this in Daura on Wednesday, while briefing journalists on his two-year scorecard.

According to him, the university is working with a Chinese company that is handling the institution’s construction.

”In 2018 and 2019, the federal government, in collaboration with the company, selected and interviewed some students from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, specifically from civil and mechanical engineering, who were taken to China for a two-year practical.

”The students did what is called three plus two, they spent two years here for the theory, and also spent three years there for the practical components.

”These are some of our pioneer academic staff today, and they are preparing our students towards realising this plan and others,” he said.

He disclosed that other achievements of the institution include strategic collaborations with prominent home and foreign institutions, especially key transport regulatory bodies.

”Additionally, the university has now been listed among institutions eligible for TETFund support, a development that will significantly enhance academic infrastructure and staff training,” he said.

The vice-chancellor further revealed that the university planned to expand the campus infrastructure, including lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, and accommodations for staff and students.

”We are integrating modern technology in teaching, with plans to introduce smart classrooms and expand virtual learning platforms. Sustainability initiatives such as solar-powered facilities and green campus are also being prioritised.

”The university is set to expand its academic offerings to include programmes in transportation security, aviation technology, smart transport systems, and sustainable urban mobility.

”Short and executive courses will soon be introduced to satisfy the needs of working class and executive officers. The university also plans to intensify research efforts in autonomous vehicles and green logistics, as well as further develop its academic staff capacity and industry partnerships,” Mr Adam-Katsayal added.

He, however, disclosed that the institution was having funding challenges and urgently needed additional resources due to the rising costs of running and maintaining existing infrastructure, among others.

(NAN)