*As Kukah Says 60% Problems In Southern Kaduna Solved By The University Establishment
Towards providing leadership for the newly establishment Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK), the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, on Friday inaugurated the Governing Council of the University chaired by Bishop Matthew Kukah.
He also inaugurated the Principal Officers of the University led by the Vice-Chancellor, Williams Barnabas.
Stressing that the university is not a typical university, the Minister said it is starting on a well laid out footing with all the supports to succeed.
"You are not starting on ground zero. You have structures in place. And that's why Mr. President demanded the academic year to start September 2025."
Emphasizing that the Ministry will support the university, he said that the NUC has been directed to support it, just as he disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has ensured that the university have allocation in the 2025 Budget Act.
"So, you are not starting like any other university. You are a privileged University." he stated.
To make sure the university doesn't run into hitches, he advised the Vice Chancellor to visit the budget office to ensure their account is opened.
”We have already written to JAMB to include the university in its admission portal for student applications.
“The resource verification process is underway, and I recently discussed it with the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“NUC visitation to the university is scheduled for April 7. Once completed, we will finalise all necessary processes at the Federal Ministry of Education.” he stated
Noting that the country has huge gap in medicals, the Minister urged the University to start college of medicine this year.
The establishment of the University, he said, was part of broader educational reforms aimed at expanding technical and vocational training.
The Minister said it is also to strengthen STEM education, reduce the number of out-of-school children and promote girl-child education in the country.
He also disclosed that the university will offer high-tech courses in applied sciences, including chemistry, physics, environmental sciences, and medical sciences.
"Every single support you need, I will personally ensure you get it." he assured.
"The Minister went on "There is no reason you can't start. You have all the facilities, the ingredients that you need.
"So now, you need to work hard to serve humanity, serve Kaduna and Southern Kaduna."
The Minister urged the Council led by Bishop Kukah to move quickly, pointing out that they've all been carefully selected for the assignment.
Dr. Alausa thanked President Tinubu for making the university and the inaugurations possible in Southern Kaduna, stressing that they have been strategically sited in the area to boost development in Southern Kaduna and promote fairness and equality across Nigeria.
Dr. Alausa also extended appreciation to Kaduna State Governor for his support and ensuring things moved quickly for the university.
He also thanked the EFCC and other persons that worked behind the scene for the university to be a reality.
On his part, Bishop Kukah said the establishment of the University was God’s instrument for driving growth and development in the state.
He said “The establishment of this university is a realisation of God’s intervention.
“Nigeria may have its own challenges and will continue to have them. But I can assure you, Mr Minister, that 60 per cent of the problems in Southern Kaduna have now been solved with the establishment of this university.
“We will not look back—because if God wanted us to, He would have given us an eye at the back of our heads.
“We hold no bitterness. Despite everything, we remain one of the most educated regions in Northern Nigeria.
According to him, there is no substitute for Education.
“Today, Southern Kaduna has no fewer than 200 Professors. The education we have received, which has brought us this far, is the same education that I personally benefited from, thanks to the missionaries.
“By locating this University of Applied Sciences here, you have given us the tools we need to move forward,” he added.
Bishop Kukah promised that the Council will do everything possible to move the university forward.
The Vice Chancellor, Williams Barnabas, promised that the university will do its best to start the college of Medicine this year.
He also hoped that the seed the President has planted in Southern Kaduna will grow to become a big tree.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, while assuring that adequate security would be provided for the university, was optimistic that the institution would become a centre of excellence that will fostered unity among all Nigerians in the region.
"We will all put our hands together to ensure the university succeeds" he stated
The CDS also thanked President Tinubu for establishing the university and all the supports to the region.