The Federal Government has disclosed how it successfully persuaded the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, to accept the position of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.
Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, shared this during the inauguration of the university’s Governing Council and Principal Officers in Abuja, revealing that Vice President Kashim Shettima played a pivotal role in securing Bishop Kukah’s acceptance.
Shettima’s Role in Securing Kukah’s Acceptance
Speaking at the event, Dr. Alausa recounted the Vice President’s deep respect for Bishop Kukah and his confidence that the cleric would heed his call to serve.
“Bishop Kukah is a very busy man. When the Vice President was nominating him, he was worried about adding to his workload. However, he said, ‘Bishop Kukah has so much respect for me. Whenever I ask him to serve, he never says no. For the sake of this country, I will ask him to take this position, and I know he will accept.’”
According to Dr. Alausa, Vice President Shettima personally reached out to Bishop Kukah, who responded positively, stating, “Yes, I will do it.”
Kukah’s Commitment to Education and Service
The Minister expressed deep appreciation for Bishop Kukah’s willingness to take on the role despite his numerous responsibilities. He described the bishop’s decision as a testament to his commitment to education and national service.
The event was attended by high-profile figures, including the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas. General Musa, an indigene of Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State, assured that the Nigerian military would provide robust security for the institution, ensuring a safe learning environment for students and staff.
Bishop Kukah’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance the university’s governance and academic excellence, further strengthening educational opportunities in Northern Nigeria.
