The Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said that the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State, has solved about 60% of Southern Kaduna problems.
He stated this on Friday during the inauguration of the Governing Council and Principal Officers of the University by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa.
Kukah, who is the chairman of the governing council of the institution, stated that the realisation of the university was a result of God’s intervention.
“Nigeria may have its own problems, and will continue to have its own problems, but I can assure you, Honourable Minister, that 60% of the problems of Southern Kaduna now have been solved.
“We will not look back, because if God wanted us to look back, he would have given us at least one eye at the back of our head. We have, and we know absolutely no bitterness. We are, despite everything else, still one of the most educated parts of the whole of Northern Nigeria.
“Today, Southern Kaduna has no less than over 200 professors. The education that we have had, that has brought us so far, that people like me benefited from, the education that came from the missionaries. But I want to assure you that by locating this University of Applied Sciences, you have presented tools to us. And I want to assure you that we will do everything that is humanly possible. Don’t be disappointed, Mr. President,” he said.
While inaugurating the Council and Principal Officers, Minister Alausa said the university’s creation was part of broader educational reforms, which include a focus on technical and vocational training, STEM education, reducing the number of out-of-school children, and promoting girl-child education.
He stated that the university aims to offer high-tech courses in Applied Sciences and has plans to establish a College of Medicine. Alausa highlighted that the establishment of the university was a deliberate effort to stimulate development in Southern Kaduna and promote fairness and equality across the country.
“We at the Ministry of Education will give you all the maximum support. We’ll walk down the clock to ensure that this starts. And I’ll tell you, let me read the processes that are taking place so far. We’ve written to JAMB to ensure that the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, is part of the portal when students begin to apply. NOK has been directed to ensure that every single thing that needs to be done is done.
“The resource verification is underway. When we spoke to the Executive Secretary of NUC just a few days ago, we discussed how we need to quickly ensure that this resource verification is completed. The visitation to the university will happen on April 7th. Once that happens, we will have completed our processes at the Federal Ministry of Education,” Alausa stated.
He further emphasised that the university would offer courses in Applied Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Sciences, and Medical Sciences.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, assured that adequate security would be provided for the university and expressed confidence that the institution would become a center of excellence, fostering unity among all Nigerians in the region.
“It will bring a lot of goodwill to the people. I want to assure Mr. President that we are fully committed to providing security to Nigeria and to assure Nigerians that we should not be afraid of anything. God is on our side.
“The federal government means very well for us as Nigerians, so we will all put our hands together to ensure that this university thrives. I want to appreciate everybody for being here today. I want to say a very big thank you,” General Musa stated.
