The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT), Engr. Olufunsho Olusesan Adebiyi, has announced plans for the construction of a rail line linking Abuja with Zaria.
He stated this at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Declaring the ceremony open, Engr. Adebiyi disclosed that he was a product of NITT, noting that the training he received at the Institute in 1995, alongside other professional programmes he undertook, contributed significantly to his career development and current status.
The Permanent Secretary commended NITT for its sustained contribution to the development of skilled manpower for Nigeria’s transport sector through professional training, capacity building and research.
He also lauded the Director General/Chief Executive of NITT, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, for what he described as visionary leadership, describing him as “extremely respectful, committed, diligent, dedicated, hardworking, honest, and a leader with a shepherd’s heart.”
Addressing the graduands, Engr. Adebiyi urged them to take responsibility for their future and take advantage of the opportunities emerging from the Federal Government’s massive investment in transport infrastructure.
He disclosed that rail services would soon connect Abuja with Kaduna, Zaria, Kano, Daura and Katsina, creating new employment opportunities for skilled Nigerians.
“By January next year, you can join a train from Abuja to Kaduna, Zaria, Kano, Daura, and to Katsina,” he said, urging the graduands to position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities the expanding rail network would create.
Demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and youth empowerment, the Permanent Secretary offered automatic employment to the two overall best graduating students and announced scholarships for them to pursue degree programmes.
He also appealed to members of the National Assembly to emulate the scholarship initiative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, as a means of empowering Nigerian youths and helping to address crime and insecurity.
In his welcome address, the Director General/Chief Executive, NITT, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and other distinguished guests for honouring the Institute’s invitation.
Dr. Farah specially thanked the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for sponsoring more than 200 students through his scholarship programme.
The DG/CE explained that the maiden convocation was the culmination of NITT’s expansion into National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)-accredited programmes in 2021, leading to the award of National Innovation Diploma (NID), National Skills Qualification (NSQ), National Diploma (ND), and Higher National Diploma (HND).
He reiterated the Institute’s commitment to professionalising Nigeria’s transport and logistics industry, noting that NITT contributes to the nation’s transport and logistics development through education, professional training, research, consultancy and technical innovation.
“Our programmes combine theory with practical application and expose students to current industry developments,” Dr. Farah said, adding that the Institute would continue to review and update its curriculum in line with emerging industry needs.
He congratulated the graduands and urged them to be good ambassadors of the Institute. Speaking through the Director, National Water Resources Institute, Dr. Abduljalal Danbaba, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, congratulated the graduands, particularly beneficiaries of his scholarship programme, urging them to put their skills and knowledge to productive use.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of prizes to academically outstanding students, in recognition of their exceptional performance and commitment to academic excellence.
Encomiums and goodwill messages were also received from invited guests and partners, including Alh. Abbas Ahmed Fatika, who represented the Emir of Zazzau; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Bello Sabo, who represented the Vice-Chancellor; and the Director, Transport Planning and Coordination, Dr. Mrs. Jane Ojinta, among others.
More than 200 students were awarded certificates and diplomas in various transport- and logistics-related programmes, while National Vocational Certificate (NVC) graduands received starter kits in addition to their certificates.
