Leadership in Motion: Professor Katsayal Steering FUT Daura-Katsina Toward Excellence -By Hamza Haruna Bafada

“An institution grows not by its walls, but by the vision, integrity, and sacrifice of those who lead it.” -Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, mni

Since its establishment, the Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD) has emerged as a pioneering institution in Nigeria’s higher education landscape. Conceived to address the growing need for specialized training and research in the transportation sector, the university stands as the first of its kind in the country and among the few in Africa.

At the centre of its steady growth and development is the Vice Chancellor, Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, mni, whose purposeful leadership has placed the institution on a path of sustainable academic and infrastructural progress.

The Federal University of Transportation, Daura, was founded through a partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Chinese technical collaborators, notably the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The vision was clear to develop indigenous capacity in transportation technology, logistics management, and related engineering fields that would support national development.

Upon his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Professor Katsayal took charge of a young but promising institution with the task of translating this vision into measurable achievements. Through strategic planning, administrative prudence, and inclusive governance, he has guided the university through its formative years with notable successes.

Under his stewardship, FUTD has witnessed remarkable advancements. The university has secured accreditation of core academic programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), enabling it to commence full academic operations. The recruitment of highly qualified academic and non-academic staff from reputable institutions across the country has strengthened its human resource base.

In terms of infrastructure, significant projects have been completed, including modern lecture theatres, laboratories, administrative offices, student hostels, and staff quarters. These facilities reflect the university’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for teaching, learning, and research.

Furthermore, Professor Katsayal has prioritized research collaboration and international partnership, establishing links with local and global institutions to enhance academic exchange and professional training. His emphasis on discipline, transparency, and institutional culture has earned him the respect of both staff and students, while fostering a sense of collective responsibility within the university community.

Beyond the administrative and infrastructural strides, Professor Katsayal remains deeply committed to capacity building and youth development. Through his initiatives, students are encouraged to engage in innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied research that align with Nigeria’s developmental needs in the transport sector.

As the Federal University of Transportation, Daura continues to evolve, it stands today as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership. Under Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, the institution is steadily fulfilling its mandate of becoming a centre of excellence in transportation education, research, and innovation contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and global competitiveness.

About the Vice Chancellor

Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, mni, is a distinguished scholar, administrator, and Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry and has served in various academic and administrative capacities before his appointment as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura.

A graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Professor Katsayal is widely respected for his commitment to excellence, institutional building, and youth empowerment. His leadership philosophy centres on integrity, accountability, and service to humanity, principles that continue to guide the university’s growth and development.

Hamza Haruna Bafada
Humanitarian
hhbafada@gmail.com