The Federal Government has officially taken over the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State.
The handover ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The establishment of the university fulfills a commitment made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand access to higher education in Southern Kaduna. Vice President Shettima had first announced the president’s approval for the institution in December during a condolence visit to the Kukah family following the passing of His Highness, Yohanna Sidi Kukah, the Agwom Akulu of Ikulu Chiefdom. The late traditional ruler was a relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.
Speaking at the time, Shettima stated, “With the support of Senator Sunday Marshall Katung and the House of Representatives member representing the area, we reached out to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and he has given his approval for the establishment of a federal university in Southern Kaduna.”
A statement released by Shettima’s spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, reaffirmed that the handover of the institution was a fulfillment of President Tinubu’s promise to strengthen educational opportunities in the region.
The event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung (representing Kaduna South), Hon. Daniel Amos (representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency), Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ola Olukayode, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, among others.
The establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences is expected to boost academic and technological development in Kaduna State and provide students with specialized skills in applied sciences, positioning them for careers in various technical and industrial fields.
With this development, stakeholders anticipate increased investment in infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and research initiatives to ensure the institution becomes a center of excellence in science and technology education in Nigeria.
