Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State would help alleviate about 60 percent of the region’s problems.
He stated this during the inauguration of the Governing Council and principal officers of the university by the minister of education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, yesterday.
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 has now 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, 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.
The minister 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 girls’ 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 is a deliberate effort to stimulate development in Southern Kaduna and promote fairness and equality across the country.
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 said.
