President Tinubu Appoints Bishop Kukah as Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State. The appointment reflects the President Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system with visionary leadership.

Bishop Kukah, a prominent religious leader and advocate for education and good governance, is expected to bring his vast experience and leadership skills to the institution. As the Pro-Chancellor, he will oversee the affairs of the governing council, ensuring that the university is positioned as a center of academic excellence, innovation, and research.

Appointment of Principal Officers and Governing Council Members

In addition to Bishop Kukah’s appointment, President Tinubu approved the selection of principal officers for the university. These include:

Vice Chancellor: Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas

Registrar: Sanusi Gambo Adamu

Bursar: Ibrahim Dalhat

University Librarian: Prof. Daniel Abubakar

Furthermore, members of the university’s governing council were appointed to represent different regions of the country. These include:

North Central Representative: Mr. Thomas Etuh

South East Representative: Chief Fabian Nwaora

South West Representative: Prof. Femi Taiwo

North East Representative: Zarah Bukar

These individuals were carefully selected based on their outstanding careers, leadership experience, and dedication to advancing education in Nigeria. The diverse representation in the council aligns with the federal government’s goal of fostering inclusive governance in the country’s educational sector.

President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Vision for the University

President Tinubu has tasked the newly appointed officials with ensuring that the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, becomes a model institution for academic excellence and technological innovation. President Tinubu urged them to provide strategic leadership that aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes education, research, and national development.

The university is expected to focus on applied sciences, equipping students with practical knowledge and skills to drive Nigeria’s industrialization and economic growth. The President Tinubu administration believes that investing in specialized universities will help bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world applications, producing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to society.

University’s Transformation from Nok University to a Federal Institution

The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, was formerly known as Nok University before the federal government took over its assets and transformed it into a public institution. This transition is part of the President Tinubu administration broader plan to expand access to higher education and improve the quality of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

With the renaming and restructuring, the university is expected to attract national and international partnerships, further enhancing its capacity for research and innovation. The first batch of students is set to be admitted in September 2025, marking the beginning of a new era for the institution.

National Reactions and Expectations from Bishop Kukah’s Appointment

The appointment of Bishop Kukah as Pro-Chancellor has been met with widespread reactions from stakeholders in education, religious communities, and governance. Many have lauded the decision, citing his reputation for integrity, advocacy for social justice, and commitment to nation-building.

Education experts believe that his leadership will bring credibility to the university and help foster partnerships that will position it as a premier institution for applied sciences in Nigeria. Meanwhile, observers hope that the university’s new leadership will address key challenges in tertiary education, including funding, infrastructure, and research development.

As the institution prepares to admit its first students, expectations are high that the newly appointed officials will lay a strong foundation for the university’s future growth and success.