In a historic move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate takeover of Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State, by the Federal Government, converting it into the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia. The decision follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which ordered the final forfeiture of the privately owned institution to the government.
The official handover of the university’s property and assets to the Federal Government took place on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing the administration. The handover was facilitated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“This is a great day for Nigeria and particularly for Kaduna State,” said Vice President Shettima. “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.”
Shettima also praised those involved in the transition process, including General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, and Senator Sunday Marshall, for their contributions. He emphasized the administration’s focus on fostering national unity and development, quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.: “We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools.”
The Vice President assured that operations at the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences would begin soon. He revealed that President Tinubu had instructed the Minister of Education to include the university in the 2025 budget, with plans for the institution to admit its first set of students in September.
Beyond the educational benefits, Shettima highlighted ongoing infrastructure development in Southern Kaduna, particularly in road construction. “President Tinubu has promised to complete the governor’s efforts by awarding contracts for major road projects in the region,” he said.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for making the dream of establishing the Federal University of Applied Sciences a reality. He described the handover as a significant milestone for the people of Kaduna and Nigeria at large.
“We will continue to run Kaduna in an inclusive manner where the interests of all are taken into consideration,” Sani said, stressing that the new university would contribute to peace and development in the region.
The establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences is expected to boost education and infrastructure in Southern Kaduna while fostering unity and national development.
