The Federal Government has announced that the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State, will begin operations with a full budget allocation, rather than relying on an initial take-off grant. In addition, the government revealed plans to convert General Hospital Kafanchan into a Federal Medical Centre, which will serve as the university’s teaching hospital.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Friday in Abuja during the inauguration of the university’s Governing Council and Principal Officers. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, was also appointed as the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.
The institution, previously known as Nok University, has been renamed the Federal University of Applied Sciences following the Federal Government’s takeover of its assets.
Alausa encouraged the newly appointed officials to use their collective expertise to establish the university as a leading institution recognized for academic excellence and innovative research, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also called on Bishop Kukah and the council to provide visionary leadership and build a strong foundation for the university as it prepares to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.
The Minister emphasized that the establishment of the university is part of broader educational reforms aimed at promoting technical and vocational training, STEM education, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and encouraging girl-child education. He also noted that the creation of the university would stimulate development in Southern Kaduna and promote fairness and equality across Nigeria.
In his response, Bishop Kukah, speaking on behalf of the other appointees, stated that the establishment of the university had addressed about 60 percent of Southern Kaduna’s challenges. He attributed the realization of the institution to God’s intervention and expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its difficulties.
