The First University in Southern Kaduna

Personalities behind the making of Federal University of Applied Science in Kachia.

By Rev. Fr. Alexander Yayock & Mr.Emmanuel Gandu

The Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone is on record as the only senatorial region in Nigeria without a federal tertiary institution. Since independence, the yearnings of the Southern Kaduna people have always fallen on the deaf ears of successive governments. But at last, hope arrived through the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other eminent Nigerians.

Interestingly, these esteemed personalities have exemplified how collective goodwill, effort, and a shared vision can lead to remarkable achievements. It is hoped that their legacies will continue to inspire future generations in Southern Kaduna and indeed the entire nation. Together, they have laid the foundation for educational advancement that eluded Southern Kaduna for many decades.

THE MEN BEHIND THE SCENES

Bola Ahmed Tinubu & Kashim Shettima

President Tinubu’s people-oriented leadership and unrivaled attention to regional development have provided a crucial framework for the realization of the Federal University of Applied Science Kachia. His approval underscores the federal government’s commitment to education and its crucial role in national development. An incontrovertible fact is that the Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone is the only one in the history of Nigeria without a federal tertiary institution.

Despite obvious hurdles and opposition from detractors, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took a bold decision by seizing the moment to approve this university for the region within the shortest possible time. Tinubu has gone down in history as the third emancipator of Southern Kaduna after Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.

Senator Sunday Marshall Kat
A seasoned politician and people’s representative, Katung has worked diligently and assiduously to advocate for the interests of Southern Kaduna. His efforts in facilitating the establishment of this federal university highlight his commitment to the region’s development and the empowerment of its citizens. To solidify these efforts, he persuaded his colleagues in the red chambers to support the bill for the university’s establishment, which successfully passed first, second anf third readings, before presenting it for presidential consideration.

Despite being a member of the PDP, Katung took a step further to galvanize and secure support from political allies across party lines, enabling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign the bill into law. Senator Katung is indeed a field marshal of the Nigerian political arena.

General Christopher Musa Gwabin
In his role as Chief of Defense Staff, he has demonstrated exemplary leadership in ensuring stability and security of life and property in all parts of Nigeria. His support for educational initiatives, including this new university, underscores the importance of a safe and nurturing environment for learning, development, and growth. This military general and Chief of Defense Staff, who doubles as a “politician,” works tirelessly to bring peace to Nigeria as if he is running against time – indeed, he is.

His presence and influence in every step towards realizing this university testify to his name – Gwabin (King of the Land). May God spare his life to realize his dreams for Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, and all of Nigeria.

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah
People call him by different names, depending on how he resonates with them. Some refer to him as Vintage Kukah, the man who speaks truth to power and advocates for social justice and the rule of law. Others call him a tireless worker for positive change, a lone voice in the wilderness, or an Ogoni freedom fighter. Yet others refer to him as the “other” prince of the Caliphate, the unsung hero of the downtrodden, and the peace ambassador.

Bishop Kukah’s contribution to the establishment of this university reflects his dedication to empowering future generations through education, ensuring that knowledge is not just power but a beacon of hope. The federal government’s decision to delegate Vice President Kashim Shettima to pay a condolence visit to Bishop Kukah’s family upon the death of the Chief of Ikulu – who incidentally was Bishop Kukah’s younger brother – was a well-thought-out gesture. During this visit, the Vice President announced the approval of the Federal University of Applied Sciences Kachia, which is a testament to the role played by the erudite Bishop Kukah in the making of this university and indeed in the politics of Nigeria.

Senator Danjuma La’ah

A prominent advocate for the rights and needs of his constituents, Senator La’ah played a pioneering role in rallying support for various developmental and youth empowerment projects, including the establishment of educational institutions in Southern Kaduna. His vision for the region is reflected in his steadfast commitment to education. He began this process when his bill for the establishment of a Federal University in Manchok successfully passed both the first and second readings in the Senate during the 9th Assembly. La’ah succeeded in clearing the murky political waters for what we are now witnessing. He rightly deserves recognition.

Chief Tony Hassan, Proprietor of Nok University
Hassan is the owner of the confiscated Nok University Kachia and was the Finance Director in the Federal Ministry of Health between 2016 and 2019. Without his efforts in building this complex, it would have been a herculean task for the federal government under Bola Tinubu to approve and direct the immediate takeoff of the university in the 2025 admission year and to capture it in the 2025 budget.

Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs:
A distinguished jurist, Akaahs is a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, whose legal advice was instrumental in facilitating the process that led to the seamless approval of this university. Justice Akaahs leveraged his legal expertise to shape the legal framework for the establishment and smooth takeoff of the university. His unwavering dedication to the rule of law and the pursuit of educational excellence resonates with the people of Southern Kaduna and indeed Nigeria.

Governor Uba Sani:
Senator Uba Sani has demonstrated unwavering cooperation and loyalty to the government and people of Nigeria in order to realize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aspirations for a university in Southern Kaduna. As Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani has continually prioritized education and infrastructure across the state, irrespective of religious and tribal considerations and differences. His proactive engagement throughout the processes leading to the approval and final handover of the documents reflects his commitment to empowering and creating opportunities for all sections of the state.

May this university be an Ivory Tower that uplifts the well-being of Nigerians, where our people will be trained in learning and character. So help us God.