President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Federal Government to take over Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State, and transform it into a Federal University.
Sharpedgenews.com reports that the President’s directive is coming after a Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the final forfeiture of the privately-owned NOK University to the Federal Government.
The private institution is now named Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State in fulfillment of a promise made to the people of Southern Kaduna by President Tinubu.
The institution’s property and assets was hand over to the Federal Government by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
In his remark, Vice-President Kashim Shettima said the event signifies 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 Tinubu for driving the process and making it the first item on the agenda of the Federal Executive Council.
“General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) 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. where he said: ‘We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools.’
“We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools.”
Shettima paid tribute to those instrumental in the transition process, including retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Bishop Matthew Kukah, Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, and Sen. Sunday Marshall.
“I want to particularly appreciate my Lord, Bishop Matthew Kukah, who has been unwavering in his commitment to fostering peace and progress in this region.
” The engagements we had with Gen. Agwai, Justice Akaahs, and Sen. Marshall were all geared towards making this a reality. Today, we celebrate the outcome of those efforts,” he said.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Southern Kaduna, particularly in road construction.
On his part, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna thanked President Tinubu for the realisation of the dream to establish the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna.
He described the signing ceremony and handover of property for the takeoff of the institution as a great day for the people of the state and Nigerians at large.
Sani also appreciated the Vice-President Shettima, whom he described as a strong pillar of support for his administration and the people of Kaduna.
The governor particularly praised Shettima for the actualisation of the Federal University of Applied Sciences project.
Also, Sen. Sunday Katung of Kaduna South Senatorial district, thanked President Tinubu for assenting to the establishment of the institution.
” The positive impact of the decision will benefit millions in our region, the country and the world for generations to come.”
The lawmaker, who presented the bill for the establishment of the university at the Senate said, “We are excited that our vision for a world-class institution of higher learning 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 will also create jobs, stimulate local economic growth, and contribute to the social and cultural fabric of our community.
” This is the vision that Mr. President has set in motion today, and we look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to bring it to life.”
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the establishment of the university as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s dedication towards expanding the nation’s human capital and capacity development.
” Today demonstrates another evidence of President Tinubu and the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima’s benevolent belief in quickly expanding Nigeria’s human capacity development in the area of education.”
For his part, the Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukayode, said that in pursuit of their mandate, the court had granted the institution a judgment for the final forfeiture of the entire assets of the university.
This, according to him, comprised 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 Feb.4, 2025, to hand over the property of the university for the use of the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the day is “a very special day to say thank you to President Tinubu for the great honour done to the people of Southern Kaduna.”
According to him, the President has repeatedly shown love and commitment to the region and the country at large.
“This is a Nigerian project, it is not only for the people of Kaduna; the University will enhance the capacity of all Nigerians.
” We are all excited; everybody in Kaduna State is excited about this great feat. This is an idea that will bring peace to the region,” he stated.
Gen. Agwai (rtd) said it was one of the greatest days of joy for some of them who have retired and from that geographical region of the country – Southern Kaduna.
He noted that the Southern Kaduna people had waited for a long time, and have eventually gotten the best with a science-based university that would uplift the value of life in that area.