The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman, has commissioned one tractor and 18 motorcycles to improve transportation, security and operational efficiency across the institution.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Prof. Othman expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for enabling the University to acquire the vehicles, describing them as strategic assets that would enhance service delivery, particularly as the institution prepares to relocate some faculties to its Main Campus in August 2026.
He described the motorcycles as durable, reliable and suitable for the University’s terrain, urging beneficiaries to use them strictly for official assignments.
The Vice-Chancellor cautioned staff against exposing the motorcycles to unnecessary risks or using them for personal purposes.
“I advise all users to operate the motorcycles strictly for official duties. We do not want facilities acquired to improve our services becoming sources of danger to anyone,” he said.
Prof. Othman also urged beneficiaries to treat the vehicles as valuable public assets by ensuring proper maintenance and adequate security.
He prayed for divine protection against accidents, theft and damage while expressing hope that the University would continue to attract more facilities to support its growth.
The Vice-Chancellor formally handed over the motorcycles to benefiting faculties, departments and units through their respective heads.
He also commissioned a new tractor donated to the University by the Katsina State Government under the administration of Governor Dikko Umar Radda to support agricultural operations.
Presenting the tractor to the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Muhammad Ghazali Garba, Prof. Othman said although the equipment was assigned to the Faculty, it would serve the entire University community.
He pledged the University’s commitment to procuring additional implements and accessories to maximise the tractor’s utility.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of regular maintenance, recommending the installation of a tracking device to enhance security.
He also directed that only qualified personnel should operate the tractor and called for routine servicing to extend its lifespan.
“A well-maintained tractor can last up to 30 years, but poor maintenance has shortened the lifespan of many tractors in Nigeria. We must maintain this one properly,” he said.
Earlier, the University’s Bursar, Abubakar Muhammad Gafai, thanked the management for facilitating the procurement of the motorcycles and the donation of the tractor, describing the development as a major boost to the University’s operational capacity.
The Directorate of Security Services received four motorcycles, while the Directorate of Physical Planning and Works got five. The Faculty of Agriculture received the tractor and one motorcycle, with other departments and units also benefiting from the distribution.
The ceremony was attended by principal officers of the University, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellors, the University Librarian, the Bursar, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, directors and heads of departments.
The commissioning and distribution of the vehicles underscore FUDMA’s commitment to strengthening operational efficiency and improving service delivery across its campuses.
