The Plateau State Government has handed over part of its Mechanical Workshop, five classrooms and a residential quarter at the Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, to strengthen technical skills development and modernise the transport sector.
The facilities will serve as the NITT Learning Centre and CNG Conversion Centre, providing practical training in transportation and Compressed Natural Gas conversion while improving access to cleaner and more affordable energy for transportation.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Plateau State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, said the gesture demonstrates the state government’s commitment to skills development, modern transportation technology and cleaner energy.
Jatau said the workshop would support CNG conversion and practical training, while the classrooms would provide a conducive environment for learning and capacity building.
He added that the residential accommodation would enhance the welfare of personnel and learners associated with the centre.
The commissioner expressed confidence that NITT would make effective and sustainable use of the facilities for the benefit of Plateau State and Nigeria.
“We are confident that NITT Zaria will make effective and sustainable use of these facilities for the benefit of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.”
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mrs Jummai Shekarau, said the handover was more than the provision of infrastructure, describing it as an investment in technical capacity, innovation and human capital development.
She said the CNG Conversion Centre would create jobs, empower youths and support new businesses within the emerging CNG value chain, while promoting the gradual transition from petrol and diesel to cleaner and more affordable alternatives.
Registrar of NITT, Zaria, Dr Maina Williams Tarfa, commended the state government for providing facilities beyond what the institute had requested.
Tarfa said the intervention would enable NITT to establish a strong presence in Plateau and accelerate its training programmes, expressing confidence that the centre would commence operations by September.
He explained that the centre would bring training closer to local government technicians across the state and enhance technical skills development.
According to him, NITT will introduce programmes including Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma and Master’s programmes in Transport and Logistics, while deploying its technical experts to provide quality services.
Dr Sani Barau, Special Adviser to the Director General/Chief Executive of NITT, said the handover marked the transition from planning to implementation after concerted efforts to secure and prepare the facilities.
Barau stressed the need for a clear and speedy activation plan to ensure that the centre becomes operational as soon as possible.
He said the initiative would involve local technical stakeholders, create investment opportunities and ultimately contribute to the development of Plateau State and Nigeria’s transport sector.
The officials thereafter toured the facilities to inspect the progress of rehabilitation works at the institution ahead of the planned commencement of operations in September.
