By Abdulrahman Aliagan
In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria’s higher education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bishop Matthew Hassan 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 President also named key officers for the newly established institution, including Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas as Vice Chancellor, Sanusi Gambo Adamu as Registrar, Ibrahim Dalhat as Bursar, and Prof. Daniel Abubakar as University Librarian.
In addition, Tinubu approved the appointment of Mr. Thomas Etuh (North Central), Chief Fabian Nwaora (South East), Prof. Femi Taiwo (South West), and Zarah Bukar (North East) as members of the university’s Governing Council.
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, the appointments reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering excellence in education and research as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
“All the appointees were carefully selected based on their distinguished careers, leadership experience, and dedication to advancing education in Nigeria,” the statement read.
President Tinubu charged the newly appointed officials to provide visionary leadership and lay a solid foundation for the university’s development as it prepares to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.
The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, was formerly known as Nok University. It was renamed following the federal government’s takeover of its assets.
Bishop Kukah, widely respected for his advocacy for social justice and nation-building, is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the institution’s governance, steering it toward academic excellence and innovation.
