In a significant move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s educational system, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, located in Kaduna State. This appointment is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve academic standards and drive excellence in higher education across the country.
The announcement was made through a statement from the State House Press Office on March 17, 2025, which highlighted the President’s commitment to fostering educational reforms and creating institutions that are equipped to provide world-class training and research in Nigeria.
Alongside Bishop Kukah’s appointment, President Tinubu has also appointed several other key figures to fill leadership positions at the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia. These appointments include Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas as the Vice Chancellor, Sanusi Gambo Adamu as the Registrar, Ibrahim Dalhat as the Bursar, and Prof. Daniel Abubakar as the University Librarian. These individuals, according to the statement, were selected for their distinguished careers, leadership experience, and dedication to advancing education in Nigeria.
The President’s careful selection of these individuals reflects his intent to ensure that the university is steered by capable hands and set on a path to success from its inception. The newly appointed officials are expected to lay the groundwork for the university, which is set to begin admitting its first cohort of students in September 2025.
In his remarks, President Tinubu urged the appointees to use their collective expertise to position the university as a hub of academic excellence, research, and innovation. He emphasized that the Federal University of Applied Sciences should align with the administration’s broader “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which seeks to enhance the nation’s educational system, address the skills gap, and foster economic growth through knowledge and technological advancement.
“As the country prepares for the future, higher education must evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world,” President Tinubu said in his address to the newly appointed officials. “This university will serve as a beacon of knowledge, research, and practical solutions to the nation’s problems. Your leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that we create a university that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s growth.”
The President further urged the appointees to provide visionary leadership that would guide the university toward becoming a prestigious institution in Nigeria and beyond. He highlighted the importance of creating a nurturing academic environment that promotes intellectual curiosity and fosters the development of skilled professionals who will go on to contribute to the nation’s development.
The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, which was formerly known as Nok University, has undergone significant transformation following the federal government’s takeover of its assets. The renaming of the university and the changes to its leadership reflect the administration’s commitment to modernizing and revitalizing the institution, ensuring that it meets the academic and developmental needs of the country.
The university is poised to play a critical role in advancing applied sciences education in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with various developmental challenges, institutions like the Federal University of Applied Sciences will be crucial in producing graduates with practical skills in fields like engineering, technology, agriculture, and applied sciences. These fields are expected to contribute to the country’s overall economic and social progress.
In addition to the appointments for the university’s leadership, President Tinubu also approved the inclusion of key members to the university’s Governing Council. These individuals are:
- Mr. Thomas Etuh, representing the North Central region
- Chief Fabian Nwaora, representing the South East
- Prof. Femi Taiwo, representing the South West
- Ms. Zarah Bukar, representing the North East
These members were chosen for their expertise in various fields and are expected to contribute to the governance of the university, ensuring that its activities and operations align with national development priorities.
The Governing Council will play a critical role in overseeing the strategic direction of the university, including the development of academic programs, the establishment of research initiatives, and the creation of partnerships with industry leaders. The Council will also ensure that the university remains responsive to the needs of its students and the wider community.
President Tinubu’s administration has consistently emphasized the need for the Nigerian education system to improve its standards, particularly in higher education. The Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia is expected to be one of the key institutions that will drive this transformation. With the leadership of Bishop Kukah and the other appointees, the university aims to establish a reputation for academic rigor and cutting-edge research.
The focus on applied sciences is particularly important, as it will enable the university to provide practical, hands-on training to students. This is crucial in a country like Nigeria, where there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can contribute to sectors like technology, agriculture, and engineering, which are essential to the country’s development.
The university’s role in providing students with the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges will align with the government’s goals of creating a more diversified and sustainable economy. The Federal University of Applied Sciences will therefore serve as a critical player in the administration’s vision of empowering young Nigerians and fostering innovation.
As the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, prepares to admit its first cohort of students in 2025, there is a strong sense of optimism surrounding its future. The appointments made by President Tinubu reflect a clear strategy for ensuring that the university not only meets the immediate needs of the nation but also contributes to the long-term vision for educational and economic transformation.
The university’s commitment to applied sciences and its focus on creating well-rounded, employable graduates is expected to make it a key player in the broader educational landscape. With the backing of the federal government, the expertise of the newly appointed leadership, and the support of the Governing Council, the Federal University of Applied Sciences is poised to become an institution of excellence that will benefit Nigeria for generations to come.
