President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Federal Government to take over Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State, and convert it into the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.
This follows a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the final forfeiture of the privately-owned university to the government.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced this on Tuesday during the official handover of the university’s property and assets to the Federal Government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the State House, Abuja.
“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,” Shettima said.
He quoted Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools,” stressing the need for unity and inclusivity in Nigeria.
Shettima praised key figures who played a role in the transition, including General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, and Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.
Assuring the immediate start of the university’s operations, Shettima said, “The President has already directed the Minister of Education to ensure that the university is captured in the 2025 budget so that by September, it can admit its first set of students.”
Beyond education, Shettima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure development in Southern Kaduna.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to support the efforts of the Kaduna State Governor by awarding contracts for the construction of major roads in the region,” he added.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State thanked President Tinubu for establishing the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna.
“This is a great day for the people of Kaduna and Nigerians at large,” Sani said. He also commended Vice President Shettima, calling him “a strong pillar of support” for Kaduna State.
Sani assured that his government would continue to promote peaceful coexistence and inclusivity in the state.
“This is an idea that will bring peace to the region,” he stated.
Photos from the event show Vice President Shettima receiving signed documents from the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, while the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, presented official handover documents during the ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
