President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Government to take over Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State, and transform it into a federal university.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced this during the formal handover of the institution’s property and assets to the Federal Government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

Following the President’s directive — issued after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of the privately-owned Nok University to the Federal Government — the institution has now been renamed the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State, in fulfilment of a promise made to the people of Southern Kaduna.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed this development in a statement issued on Tuesday, titled ‘Nok Varsity Now Federal University of Applied Sciences as President Tinubu Orders Immediate Takeover’.

Shettima said Tuesday’s event signified the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and national development.

“This is a great day for the country and for Kaduna State. The greater credit should go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving the process and making it the first item on the agenda of the Federal Executive Council.

“General Martin Luther Agwai (retd) quoted Martin Luther King Jr. as saying, ‘People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.’ I dare to add another quote by the same Martin Luther King Jr.: ‘We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools,’” Shettima said.

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The Vice President also paid tribute to key figures instrumental in the transition process, including General Martin Luther Agwai (retd), Bishop Matthew Kukah, Justice Kumai Akaahs, and Senator Sunday Marshall.

“I want to particularly appreciate my Lord, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who has been unwavering in his commitment to fostering peace and progress in this region.

“The engagements we had with General Agwai, Justice Akaahs, and Senator Marshall were all geared towards making this a reality. Today, we celebrate the outcome of those efforts,” he said.

Assuring Nigerians of the institution’s immediate commencement of operations, Shettima stated, “The President has already directed the Minister of Education to ensure that the university is included in the 2025 budget so that by September, it can admit its first set of students.”

Beyond education, Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Southern Kaduna, particularly in road construction.

“The governor is already making significant progress in reconstructing key roads in the region.

“However, President Bola Tinubu has promised to complete the governor’s efforts by awarding contracts for the construction of major roads in the region,” he added.

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Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, thanked President Tinubu for realising the dream of establishing the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna, describing the signing ceremony and handover of the institution’s property as a great milestone for the people of the state and Nigeria at large.

Governor Sani also commended Vice President Shettima, describing him as a strong pillar of support for his administration and the people of Kaduna, particularly in actualising the Federal University of Applied Sciences project.

He emphasised that the peaceful coexistence enjoyed across Kaduna and its environs, along with the inclusion of all interests in the state, is a deliberate policy of his administration.

“We will continue to run Kaduna in an inclusive manner where the interests of all are taken into consideration,” he assured.

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the institution, stating, “The positive impact of this decision will benefit millions in our region, the country, and the world for generations to come.”

Katung, who sponsored the bill for the university’s establishment in the Senate, said, “We are excited that our vision for a world-class institution of higher learning in Southern Kaduna has been recognised and endorsed.
We are eager to embark on this journey that has eluded us for decades.

“This university will not only provide access to quality education but also create jobs, stimulate local economic growth, and contribute to the social and cultural fabric of our community.

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The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the university’s establishment as a testament to President Tinubu’s dedication to expanding Nigeria’s human capital and capacity development.

He stated, “Today is yet another demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s commitment to rapidly expanding Nigeria’s human capacity development in education, health, and social welfare protection.”

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Ola Olukayode, explained that in pursuit of their mandate, the court had granted a final forfeiture judgment on the university’s entire assets, including academic buildings, a water factory, an international hotel, and an event centre.

“We are here pursuant to the resolution of the Federal Executive Council on 4 February 2025, to hand over the university’s property for the use of the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia,” he added.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the day as “a very special day to say thank you to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the great honour done to the people of Southern Kaduna.”

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According to him, the President has repeatedly demonstrated love and commitment to the region and the country at large.

“This is a Nigerian project, not just for the people of Kaduna. The university will enhance the capacity of all Nigerians. We are all excited—everyone in Kaduna State is excited about this great achievement. This initiative will bring peace to the region,” he stated.

General Martin Luther Agwai (retd) described the moment as one of the greatest days of joy for those from Southern Kaduna.

He noted that the people of Southern Kaduna had long awaited this, and they have now secured the best — a science-based university that will enhance the quality of life in the region.

Others present at the meeting included the member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Daniel Amos; former Supreme Court Justice, Kumai Akaahs; former Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, John Hayab; Chief Anthony Hassan; the member representing Jema’a State Constituency, Ali Kalat; Dr Abdulamalik Durunguwa; Charity Shekari; Deborah Usman; and Andrew Yakubu, among others.

(PUNCH)