The Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD) in Katsina State is gearing up to adopt a blended system of Distance Learning and on-campus study, aligning with the global trend of integrating technology in education. To kick-start this endeavor, FUTD's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Umar Adam Katsayal, expressed the university's interest in partnering with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in various academic areas, including e-library, teaching, and more.

During a visit to NOUN's headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on July 27, 2023, Prof. Katsayal, accompanied by members of his Interim Management Committee (IMUC), emphasized the importance of collaboration with NOUN, known as a pioneer in Open Distance Learning (ODL) in Nigeria. Given the economic challenges and the large number of youths seeking education, FUTD recognizes the potential of Distance Learning, and Prof. Katsayal acknowledges NOUN as the leading institution in this domain.

The Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Femi Peters, warmly welcomed the delegation from FUTD, expressing the university's readiness to collaborate and provide its expertise. Prof. Peters affirmed that NOUN is well-equipped with the necessary skills and capacity to support FUTD's objectives.

FUTD, currently under construction by the Chinese railway giant, CCECC, was established with the aim of producing a skilled workforce in transportation, particularly railway transportation, to sustain the nation's ambitious infrastructure development in this sector. The university will offer a wide range of courses, leading to first degrees, postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and professional certificates in transportation engineering, logistics, and related fields.

Additionally, FUTD is expected to contribute significantly to the development of railway engineering and general transportation sciences in Nigeria. The university's efforts will bridge the technology and skills gap in the railway industry, ultimately positively impacting the transportation sector in Nigeria and the broader West African region.

As FUTD takes its ambitious steps towards reshaping transportation education, its partnership with NOUN, a renowned leader in ODL, promises to be a pivotal collaboration in transforming the landscape of distance learning in Nigeria's education system. Together, they are poised to make a substantial impact in training the workforce, promoting technology transfer, and bolstering the railway industry's growth in the region.