President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Federal Government to take over Nok University in Kachia, Kaduna State, and transform it into a Federal University.
This directive follows a Federal High Court in Abuja’s ruling to finalise the forfeiture of the privately-owned Nok University to the Federal Government.
The private institution is now renamed the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State, fulfilling a promise made by President Tinubu to the people of Southern Kaduna.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) handed over the institution’s property and assets to the Federal Government at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In his remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the event highlighted the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and national development.
He commended President Tinubu for making the transition a priority on the Federal Executive Council’s agenda.
Shettima also quoted Martin Luther King Jr., 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.’”
He concluded by honouring those involved in the transition process, including retired General Martin Luther Agwai, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, and Sen. Sunday Marshall.
Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Southern Kaduna, particularly road construction.
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for realising the dream of establishing the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna.
He lauded the signing ceremony and the handover of property for the university’s establishment as a significant achievement for the people of the state and Nigeria at large.
Sani also thanked Vice President Shettima for his strong support in making the university project a reality.
Sen. Sunday Katung of Kaduna South Senatorial District also expressed his thanks to President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the institution, stating that its positive impact would benefit millions for generations.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukayode, revealed that the court had granted a judgment for the final forfeiture of Nok University’s assets, which include academic buildings, a water factory, an international hotel, and an event centre.
The EFCC officially handed over the property for use by the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, called the day a “special day” to thank President Tinubu for his commitment to the people of Southern Kaduna.
He emphasised that the university would benefit all Nigerians, not just those from Kaduna, and contribute to peace in the region.
Retired General Agwai described the day as one of great joy for those who had long awaited the establishment of a science-based university in Southern Kaduna.
He highlighted that the new university would uplift the region and improve the quality of life for its residents.