Bishop Kukah Named Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Applied Sciences

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.

The appointment is part of a broader leadership restructuring at the institution, which was formerly known as Nok University before the federal government took over its assets. The university is preparing to welcome its first cohort of students in September 2025.

In addition to Bishop Kukah’s appointment, President Tinubu named several other principal officers to lead the institution. Professor Qurix Williams Barnabas will serve as Vice Chancellor, while Sanusi Gambo Adamu has been appointed Registrar. Ibrahim Dalhat will take on the role of Bursar, and Professor Daniel Abubakar has been named University Librarian.

The president also approved appointments to the university’s governing council, including Mr. Thomas Etuh representing the North Central region, Chief Fabian Nwaora from the South East, Professor Femi Taiwo from the South West, and Zarah Bukar representing the North East.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, all appointees were selected based on their distinguished careers, leadership experience, and dedication to advancing education in Nigeria.

President Tinubu has charged the newly appointed officials with providing visionary leadership that will position the university as a hub for academic excellence and research. The administration expects the leadership team to establish a solid foundation for the institution’s growth and development in line with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, represents part of the administration’s efforts to expand access to specialised higher education across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. As a university focused on applied sciences, the institution is expected to contribute significantly to technological development and innovation in the country.

Bishop Kukah, known for his outspoken commentary on national issues and advocacy for social justice, brings significant intellectual and moral authority to his new role at the university.