The federal government, Friday, inaugurated the Governing Council and Principal officers of the University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna state.

The inaugurated officers include the Pro Chancellor, Bishop Hassan Mathew Kukah, Vice Chancellor, Prof Qurix Williams Barnabas, the Registrar, Sanusi Gambo Adamu, Librarian, Prof Daniel Abubakar, Bursar, Ibrahim Dalhatu, among others.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be commended for making the education of Nigerians his priority, especially the effort he made with the conversion of Nok University to the University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna state.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making opportunities available so that every Nigerian will have a fair chance of making it in this country. Things are getting better. Our education sector is getting better. We have put measures in place to ensure out-of-school children are taken back to school. We are focusing on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

“We have an entirely newly built university that’s being taken over. It’s starting on a nice footing, with expansive land, etc. So, the principal officers are not starting from ground zero. You’re starting from a solid foundation. I’ve directed JAMB and NUC to provide you with the necessary assistance to ensure you take off this academic session,” he said.

In his speech, the Pro Chancellor, Bishop Hassan Mathew Kukah, said education is a priority and that he will always make himself available to serve the nation no matter how busy he may be.

“With the establishment of the university, 60 per cent of our problems in southern Kaduna has been solved. Education is the future. There is no substitute for education. We are proud to host the federal university. We have been peaceful and will remain peaceful,” he said.

Similarly, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Qurix Williams Barnabas, the newly inaugurated officials will do their best to achieve the objectives by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their appointment.

Also speaking, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said the establishment of the university is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s non kinetic effort to bring peace to Southern Kaduna. 

“Without education, we won’t be here today. We’re very grateful to Mr President for making everything possible. We want every student of the university to feel at home. We promise Mr President that we will ensure peace in the university. We know the president’s drive for free education and that is the principle we will uphold,” he said.

On his part, Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Marshall Katung, said his constituents are grateful for the establishment of the university by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will continue to support the objectives of the president.