FG Assumes Control of NOK University, Renames It University of Applied Sciences

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Government to take control of NOK University, located in Kachia, Kaduna State, and convert it into a federal institution.

This directive from the president follows a ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the complete forfeiture of the privately-owned NOK University to the Federal Government.

Tinubu mandated that the institution be renamed the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State, as part of his commitment to fulfilling a promise made to the people of Southern Kaduna.

During the formal handover ceremony of the university’s property and assets to the Federal Government at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized that the event represents the administration’s dedication to inclusivity and national progress.

He stated, “This is a great day for the country and for Kaduna State. The greater credit should go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving the process and making it the first item on the agenda of the Federal Executive Council.”

“General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) quoted Martin Luther King Jr. as saying, ‘People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.’ I dare to add another quote by the same Martin Luther King Jr. where he said: ‘We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools.’”

The Vice President also acknowledged the efforts of key individuals in the transition process, including General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, and Senator Sunday Marshall.

“I want to particularly appreciate my Lord, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who has been unwavering in his commitment to fostering peace and progress in this region. The engagements we had with General Agwai, Justice Akaahs, and Senator Marshall were all geared towards making this a reality. Today, we celebrate the outcome of those efforts,” he said.

Providing assurance that the university would commence operations promptly, Vice President Shettima stated, “The president has already directed the Minister of Education to ensure that the university is captured in the 2025 budget so that by September, it can admit its first set of students.”

Beyond the education sector, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Southern Kaduna, particularly in road construction.

“The governor is already making significant progress in reconstructing key roads in the region. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to complete the efforts of the governor by awarding contracts for the construction of some of the major roads in the region,” he added.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for turning the vision of establishing the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna into a reality. He described the signing ceremony and the handover of the university’s property as a significant milestone for the state and the entire country.

Governor Sani also extended special appreciation to Vice President Shettima, calling him a key supporter of his administration and the people of Kaduna, particularly for his role in ensuring the successful establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences.

He emphasized that peaceful coexistence and inclusive governance remain a core policy of his administration in Kaduna State, assuring that “we will continue to run Kaduna in an inclusive manner where the interest of all are taken into consideration.”

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, also expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the university, stating, “The positive impact of the decision will benefit millions in our region, the country, and the world for generations to come.”

Senator Katung, who introduced the bill for the university’s creation in the Senate, added, “We are excited that our vision for a world-class institution of higher learning in Southern Kaduna has been recognised and endorsed. We are eager to embark on this journey that has eluded us for decades.”

“This university will not only provide access to quality education but will also create jobs, stimulate local economic growth, and contribute to the social and cultural fabric of our community. This is the vision that Mr. President has set in motion today, and we look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to bring it to life.”

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the university’s establishment as a reflection of President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s human capital and capacity development.

He stated, “Today demonstrates another evidence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima’s benevolent belief in quickly expanding Nigeria’s human capacity development in the area of education, health and social welfare protection.”

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukayode, explained that in executing their mandate, the court ruled in favor of the final forfeiture of all university assets, which include academic buildings, a water factory, an international hotel, and an event center.

“We are here pursuant to the resolution of the Federal Executive Council on February 4, 2025, to hand over the property of the university for the use of the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia,” he added.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed gratitude, saying that the occasion was “a very special day to say thank you to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the great honour done to the people of Southern Kaduna.”