By Umar Idris, Zaria The Federal Government is intensifying investment in transport infrastructure, human capital development, t...
By Umar Idris, Zaria
The Federal Government is intensifying investment in transport infrastructure, human capital development, technical education and innovation as part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s transportation sector, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said.
Abbas spoke at the maiden Convocation Ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, where he was represented by the Director-General of the National Water Resources Institute, Dr. Abduljalal Danbaba.
The Speaker said the Federal Government recognised the strategic importance of NITT in developing a skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s transportation system and responding to emerging challenges in the sector.
He commended the institute for its contributions to professional training, capacity building, research and the development of specialised manpower for the country’s transport industry.
According to Abbas, the certificates and diplomas awarded at the ceremony demonstrated NITT’s commitment to combining academic knowledge with the practical competencies required in the transport and logistics sector.
He described transportation as a critical component of national development, noting that an efficient transport system facilitates the movement of people and goods, strengthens trade and industry, connects communities and contributes significantly to economic growth.
The Speaker, however, stressed that infrastructure alone could not guarantee an efficient and sustainable transport system.
He said Nigeria also needed well-trained professionals with the technical expertise required to plan, develop, operate, maintain and effectively manage transport infrastructure and services.
Abbas therefore challenged the graduands to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired at NITT to address the country’s transportation challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He urged them to embrace innovation, professionalism and continuous learning as they begin their careers in the transport industry.
Abuja-Zaria Rail Link
Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Adebiyi Olusesan Olufunsho, described the maiden convocation as a landmark achievement for NITT and an important step towards strengthening Nigeria’s transport manpower base.
Olufunsho commended the institute for its contributions to professional and technical training, saying its programmes were helping to produce manpower capable of meeting the evolving demands of the transportation sector.
He disclosed that the Federal Government was planning the construction of a rail line linking Abuja with Zaria, with the rail network also expected to extend to Kaduna, Kano, Daura and Katsina.
The proposed rail development, he said, would enhance connectivity and movement across the region while creating employment opportunities for Nigerians, particularly those with relevant technical and professional skills.
The Permanent Secretary also announced automatic employment for the two overall best graduating students and scholarships for them to pursue degree-level education.
He called on members of the National Assembly to emulate Speaker Abbas’s scholarship initiative as part of broader efforts to invest in Nigerian youths.
According to him, education and skills development remain important tools for tackling unemployment, crime and insecurity.
Olufunsho also called for stronger collaboration among government, educational and training institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure that graduates acquire practical skills that correspond with the demands of the modern workplace.
Emir Urges Graduates To Uphold Integrity
Also speaking, the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, represented by the Sarkin Fadan Zazzau, Alhaji Abbas Ahmad Fatika, congratulated the graduands on their achievement.
He described the convocation as the culmination of years of dedication, discipline, sacrifice and perseverance by the students, supported by their parents, guardians, lecturers and the wider academic community.
The Emir reminded the graduands that the value of education extends beyond certificates, urging them to uphold integrity, humility, discipline, good character and a strong sense of responsibility in their professional and personal lives.
NITT Expands Training, Research Capacity
In his welcome address, the Director-General/Chief Executive of NITT, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, said the institute had continued to expand its academic, professional and research capacities to meet the changing demands of Nigeria’s transport industry.
Farah said NITT’s programmes were designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in transport technology, logistics, supply chain management, road safety, infrastructure development and other emerging areas.
He disclosed that the institute had invested in modern workshops, laboratories and research facilities, while strengthening partnerships with industry stakeholders to expose students to the practical aspects of their chosen professions.
The Director-General acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for the development of the institute, particularly its investments in modern workshops and laboratory facilities.
He also expressed appreciation to Speaker Abbas for sponsoring more than 200 students under his scholarship programme, describing the gesture as a significant contribution to youth empowerment and human capital development.
Farah urged the graduands to remain committed to professional excellence and uphold the reputation of NITT as they enter the workforce.
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates, diplomas and prizes to outstanding students.
More than 200 graduands received certificates and diplomas in various transport- and logistics-related programmes, while graduates of the National Vocational Certificate (NVC) programme were presented with starter kits to support their transition into employment and entrepreneurship.
The maiden convocation marked a significant milestone in NITT’s development and underscored the growing importance of specialised education and technical skills in building an efficient, modern and sustainable transport system for Nigeria.
No comments