The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna, officially inaugurated its Governing Council and principal officers on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Minister’s Conference Hall in Abuja. The event, presided over by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, marked a significant milestone in the establishment of the institution, aimed at fostering technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
Dr. Alausa emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all Nigerians. He noted that the establishment of the university in Southern Kaduna is a testament to the administration’s resolve to address regional educational gaps and foster national unity. The minister highlighted that the joy expressed by the people of Southern Kaduna today is being replicated across the country through similar initiatives.
In his address, Dr. Alausa reiterated the government’s six-point agenda in education, which prioritizes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), quality assurance in education, the promotion of girl-child education, capacity building for teachers, and ethical and transparent university governance. He emphasized that the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, aligns with these priorities and will play a pivotal role in advancing TVET and STEM education in Nigeria.
The university has been allocated over 200 hectares of land, with a Certificate of Occupancy already secured. The minister called for the immediate enrollment of the first set of students by September 2025 and assured full support from the ministry. He urged education regulatory bodies, including JAMB and NUC, to expedite the creation of necessary portals to facilitate student admissions. Dr. Alausa also directed the Vice-Chancellor to swiftly establish the necessary administrative mechanisms, emphasizing that financial support is readily available for the university’s takeoff. Unlike other universities that start from scratch, he assured that adequate provisions have been made to ensure a seamless commencement of academic activities.
Several stakeholders played a crucial role in the realization of the university. Among them was the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside other notable figures. The university is strategically designed to include a College of Medicine and a College of Pharmacy, with the General Hospital in Kafanchan being upgraded to a Federal University Teaching Hospital to bridge the manpower gap in the health sector.
The minister officially inaugurated the university’s Governing Council and principal officers. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Board, while Professor Qurix Williams Barnabas assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor.
In his remarks, Bishop Kukah praised the Federal Ministry of Education for its efforts in ensuring smooth governance. He noted that 60% of Southern Kaduna’s educational challenges have been addressed with the establishment of the university. He highlighted the presence of over 200 professors from Southern Kaduna and urged young Nigerians to seize the opportunity to enroll.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Qurix Williams Barnabas described the university as a “seed planted for future generations,” vowing to steer its leadership toward excellence. He expressed gratitude to the President, Vice President, and the Minister of Education for their unwavering support.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, commended President Tinubu’s commitment to education, stating that it serves as a crucial non-kinetic approach to peacebuilding. He assured the university of security support, recognizing it as a partner in national development.
Similarly, Senator Sunday Marshall Kaltung pledged his commitment to reinforcing quality education in Southern Kaduna, describing the institution’s establishment as a “new dawn for the region and a cause for celebration.”
In her vote of thanks, the Director of Universities Education, Mrs. Rakiya Iliya, noted the historic nature of the event, as the Governing Council and principal officers were inaugurated collectively rather than separately. She urged the newly appointed officials to deliver on their mandates, assuring them of the ministry’s support.
With this inauguration, the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna, is set to begin academic operations, bringing new opportunities for technical and vocational education while addressing educational and economic disparities in Southern Kaduna and beyond.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
