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Nok Varsity Now Federal University Of Applied Sciences As President Tinubu Orders Immediate Takeover

Nok Varsity Now Federal University Of Applied Sciences As President Tinubu Orders Immediate Takeover
** Directs education minister to capture institution in 2025 budget for September take-off
By: Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Federal Government to take over Nok University, Kachia, Kaduna State, and transform it into a Federal University.
Following the President’s directive which is coming after a Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the final forfeiture of the privately-owned NOK University to the Federal Government, the private institution is now named Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State in fulfillment of a promise made to the people of Southern Kaduna.
Speaking during the formal handover of the institution’s property and assets to the Federal Government by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the event signifies the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and national development.


He said, “This is a great day for the country and for Kaduna State. The greater credit should go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for driving the process and making it the first item on the agenda of the Federal Executive Council.
“General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) quoted Martin Luther King Jr. as saying, ‘People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.’ I dare to add another quote by the same Martin Luther King Jr. where he said: ‘We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools.’
“We must either learn to live together as brothers, or we are going to die together as fools.”
The Vice President also paid tribute to those instrumental in the transition process, including General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, and Senator Sunday Marshall.
“I want to particularly appreciate my Lord, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, who has been unwavering in his commitment to fostering peace and progress in this region. The engagements we had with General Agwai, Justice Akaahs, and Senator Marshall were all geared towards making this a reality. Today, we celebrate the outcome of those efforts,” he said.

Assuring of the immediate commencement of the institution’s operations, VP Shettima said, “The President has already directed the Minister of Education to ensure that the university is captured in the 2025 budget so that by September, it can admit its first set of students.”
Beyond education, VP Shettima reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Southern Kaduna, particularly in road construction.
“The governor is already making significant progress in reconstructing key roads in the region. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to complete the efforts of the governor by awarding contracts for the construction of some of the major roads in the region,” he added.
On his part, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, thanked President Tinubu for the realisation of the dream to establish the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Southern Kaduna, describing the signing ceremony and handover of property for the takeoff of the institution as a great day for the people of the state and Nigerians at large.
Governor Sani reserved special commendations for Vice President Shettima, whom he described as a strong pillar of support for his administration and the people of Kaduna, particularly for the actualisation of the Federal University of Applied Sciences project.
He said the peaceful coexistence enjoyed across Kaduna and environs, and the inclusion of all interests in the state is entrenched as a deliberate policy of his administration, assuring that “we will continue to run Kaduna in an inclusive manner where the interest of all are taken into consideration”.
Also speaking, the Senator representing Kaduna South senatorial district, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung thanked President Tinubu for assenting to the establishment of the institution, saying “the positive impact of the decision will benefit millions in our region, the country and the world for generations to come.”
Senator Katung who presented the bill for the establishment of the university in the Senate said, “We are excited that our vision for a world-class institution of higher learning in Southern Kaduna has been recognised and endorsed. We are eager to embark on this journey that has eluded us for decades.
“This university will not only provide access to quality education but will also create jobs, stimulate local economic growth, and contribute to the social and cultural fabric of our community. This is the vision that Mr. President has set in motion today, and we look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to bring it to life.”
On his part, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the establishment of the university as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s dedication towards expanding the nation’s human capital and capacity development.
He said, “Today demonstrates another evidence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima’s benevolent belief in quickly expanding Nigeria’s human capacity development in the area of education, health and social welfare protection.”
For his part, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukayode, said that in pursuit of their mandate, the court had granted the institution a judgment for the final forfeiture of the entire assets of the university, comprising academic buildings, a water factory, an international hotel, and an event centre.
“We are here pursuant to the resolution of the Federal Executive Council on February 4, 2025, to hand over the property of the university for the use of the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the day is “a very special day to say thank you to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the great honour done to the people of Southern Kaduna.”
According to him, the President has repeatedly shown love and commitment to the region and the country at large. “This is a Nigerian project, it is not only for the people of Kaduna; the University will enhance the capacity of all Nigerians. We are all excited; everybody in Kaduna State is excited about this great feat. This is an idea that will bring peace to the region,” he stated.
Also speaking, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) said it is one of the greatest days of joy for some of them who have retired and from that geographical region of the country – Southern Kaduna.
He noted that the Southern Kaduna people had waited for a long time, and have eventually gotten the best with a science-based university that will uplift the value of life in that area.
Others present at the meeting included member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal constituency, Hon. Daniel Amos; former Supreme Court Justice, Kumai Bayang Akaahs; former Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. John Joseph Hayab; Chief Anthony Hassan; member representing Jema’a State Constituency Ali Kalat; Dr Abdulamalik Durunguwa; Charity Shekari; Deborah Usman; Andrew Yakubu among others.
Nok Varsity Now Federal University Of Applied Sciences As President Tinubu Orders Immediate Takeover
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Bandits kill one, abduct 14 in Zamfara communities

Bandits kill one, abduct 14 in Zamfara communities
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have killed one person, injured three others, and abducted at least 14 villagers in separate attacks on Jangebe and Keta communities of Talata Mafara and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
Zagazola learnt that the first attack occurred at about 4 a.m. on Sunday, when a group of heavily armed bandits invaded Fakon Idi area in Jangebe District of Talata Mafara LGA.
“The bandits shot dead one person and injured three others before abducting four individuals to an unknown destination,” the sources stated.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, troops of Operation Fansa Yamma, police and local vigilantes mobilised to the scene and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat into the nearby forest,” said the sources.
Sources said the corpse of the deceased had been handed over to relatives for burial, while the injured victims were receiving treatment at the Jangebe Primary Health Care Centre.
In a separate development, about ten villagers from Keta town were abducted while being forced to work on a bandits’ farm located between Keta and Kwaren Ganuwa villages in Tsafe LGA.
Sources revealed that at about 12:05 p.m. on Sunday, another notorious bandits’ kingpin, identified as Babangida Bature Yola, stormed the farm with his gang and abducted the villagers to an undisclosed location.
Authorities said efforts were ongoing to rescue all abducted victims and restore normalcy to the affected areas.
Bandits kill one, abduct 14 in Zamfara communities
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Nigeria Requests Evacuation of Jailed Pastor Egbaji from Benin Republic Over Deteriorating Health

Nigeria Requests Evacuation of Jailed Pastor Egbaji from Benin Republic Over Deteriorating Health
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has expressed concern over the failing health of one of its national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, currently facing trial in neighbouring, Republic of Benin.
Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, has for about two years been detained in a hospital in Cotonou, the Beninese capital under dehumanising conditions while his health is said to deteriorating.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Tuesday called on the Benin authorities to release the Nigerian national so that he could have better medical care and also serve out his sentence in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said discussions with the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou, indicated that Pastor Egbaji’s health is steadily worsening and he needs urgent and proper medical attention.
She stated that the Ministry had made spirited effort to rescue the troubled Egbaji in line with the citizen diplomacy thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
The minister who had early August visited Egbaji in the Cotonou hospital alongside the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, disclosed that the Ministry had requested the transfer of the Nigerian national to receive the deserved medical care and serve out his custodial term in Nigeria.
She explained that Nigeria was worried over the pace of Beninese authorities is taking to address the situation and acceding to Nigeria’s request.
She asked the Beninese authorities to consent to Nigeria’s request and accelerate the release of the detained Nigerian pastor in regards to the longstanding cordial relations existing between the two countries, founded on shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, mutual respect, and a spirit of brotherhood,
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also disclosed that Nigeria’s position was further highlighted in a recent letter to the Republic of Benin Government.
She said: “It is against this backdrop of solidarity and mutual goodwill that I seek Your Excellency’s kind consideration regarding the plight of a Nigerian national, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who has been serving a custodial sentence in Cotonou since October 2023 for a jail term of 10 years. As Your Excellency may be aware, Pastor Egbaji has been in Benin Republic for over three decades, contributing meaningfully as an entrepreneur, pastor, and community leader.
“Regrettably, his health has deteriorated severely while in detention. Two independent medical experts appointed by the court recently recommended that he be transferred abroad for urgent medical care, as local interventions have proved ineffective.
“In the spirit of our longstanding friendship and in recognition of the humanitarian imperative, not being unmindful of the grievous nature of the offence he is charged with, we kindly request that Pastor Egbaji be repatriated to Nigeria to serve out the remainder of his sentence in a Nigerian Correctional Centre,” she stated.
She however reiterated that this gesture would demonstrate in practical terms the enduring spirit of fraternity and cooperation that bind Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.
Nigeria Requests Evacuation of Jailed Pastor Egbaji from Benin Republic Over Deteriorating Health
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President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare

President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare
*As VP Shettima gives NAHCON 2 days to effect president’s directive
By: Our Reporter
Following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an immediate review of the 2026 Hajj fares, Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to come up with new fares for the exercise within two days.
This, the Vice President said, had become necessary considering continued appreciation of the naira against the dollar – a primary determinant for the pilgrimage fares.
VP Shettima who handed down the President’s directive on Monday during a meeting with management and board members of NAHCON at the Presidential Villa, called for synergy among national and state officials, including state Governors, in streamlining and adopting a new set of fares for the exercise.

He aslo urged prompt action by all stakeholders to ensure quick payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate a hitch-free exercise.
Fielding questions from journalists shortly after the meeting with the VP, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the meeting convened at the instance of the Vice President was to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations, particularly the determination of fares for the 2026 exercise.
He explained that the goal is to reduce the amount payable by pilgrims for the exercise, given the current trend in the economy occasioned by ongoing reforms being undertaken by the Tinubu administration.

He said, “Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government. The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on negative exchange rate last year, and the exchange rate has improved, then the changes should reflect in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims.
“So, the commissions and all officers of the Hajj commission are here and they have been told to immediately go to look at more realistic exchange rates. If we achieve what we envisage, then we will have a very significant reduction in the Hajj.”
On his part, Secretary of the National Hajj commission (NAHCON), Dr Mustapha Mohammad, said the President’s directive would increase the number of intending pilgrims for this year’s exercise.
“It is a welcome development and the lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. So, as directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to see that we reduce it to the barest minimum and affordable rate for every Muslim faithful to have the opportunity to perform this very important pillar of Islam.”
Also, the Chairman, Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman, Forum of the Chief Executive of 36 and the FCT Chairmen of pilgrims Board, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, expressed delight with the presidential directive.

“We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have already intervened. We thank God for what they have said, which is expected to bring down the cost of Hajj fare. So, we are happy,” he said
President Tinubu Orders Reduction Of 2026 Hajj Fare
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