The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD), Prof. Umar Adam Katsayal, mni, has called on the Caliphate Aviation Training Centre, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other stakeholders in the aviation and transport sectors to partner with the university to strengthen manpower development in the industry.

Prof. Katsayal made the call on Friday during the centenary celebration of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), which marked 100 years since the first aircraft landed in Nigeria.

He commended the Caliphate Aviation Training Centre for organising the event, describing it as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation history. However, he expressed concern over the level of progress made in the sector since its inception.

“There is a need for more attention to be given to the aviation sector of this country,” he said. “We are talking about 100 years. We need to look back and assess the achievements recorded within this period.”

The Vice Chancellor said the establishment of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, was aimed at addressing manpower gaps in the transport sector through research and capacity building.

“We are ready to partner with all relevant stakeholders in the performance of our mandate,” he stated. “The university is prepared to undertake research that will improve aviation services and logistics across the country.”

Prof. Katsayal congratulated the organisers and participants on the successful celebration and wished them fruitful deliberations and safe journeys back to their destinations.