Tinubu converts Nok University to Federal University of Applied Sciences

• Operations to begin in September

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

In a landmark decision, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Government to take over Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State, converting it into the Federal University of Applied Sciences.

This move follows a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that ordered the forfeiture of the private university to the government.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President, during a ceremony at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, described the transition as a milestone for inclusivity and national development.

“This is a great day for the country and for Kaduna State,” Shettima remarked. “The greater credit should go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving this process and making it a priority for the Federal Executive Council.”

Shettima highlighted the administration’s commitment to fostering unity and progress, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: “We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools.” He also praised stakeholders like General Martin Luther Agwai (retd), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs for their efforts in ensuring a smooth transition.

Shettima announced that the institution would begin operations by September 2025. “The President has directed the Minister of Education to ensure that this university is captured in the 2025 budget so that it can admit its first set of students by September,” he stated. The university will focus on applied sciences, reflecting its new federal status.

Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s commitment to Southern Kaduna. “This is a dream come true for our people,” he said. “The establishment of this university will not only provide access to quality education but also stimulate economic growth in our region.”

Beyond education, the Vice President reaffirmed plans to improve infrastructure in Southern Kaduna. “President Tinubu has promised to complement ongoing road construction efforts by awarding contracts for major roads in the region,” Shettima said.

Member representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Katung, praised the initiative as transformative. “This university will benefit millions in our region and beyond for generations,” he noted. Katung also highlighted its potential to create jobs and strengthen the local economy.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the establishment of the university as evidence of Tinubu’s dedication to expanding Nigeria’s human capital. “This demonstrates our administration’s commitment to education as a tool for national growth,” Alausa said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukayode, confirmed that all assets of Nok University, including academic buildings and facilities, had been handed over to the Federal Government. “This is pursuant to a court judgment granting final forfeiture of these properties,” he explained.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, called the initiative a “Nigerian project” that would promote peace in Southern Kaduna.

Agwai hailed it as one of Southern Kaduna’s greatest achievements. “This science-based university will uplift lives in this region,” he said.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Hon. Daniel Amos; former Supreme Court Justice, Kumai Bayang Akaahs; former Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. John Joseph Hayab; Chief Anthony Hassan; member representing Jema’a State Constituency, Ali Kalat; Dr. Abdulamalik Durunguwa; Charity Shekari; Deborah Usman; and Andrew Yakubu, among others.