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

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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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AT NATIONAL POLICE DAY: President Tinubu Unveils Investment In Modern Law Enforcement Systems

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AT NATIONAL POLICE DAY: President Tinubu Unveils Investment In Modern Law Enforcement Systems

Says, to make meaningful progress, Nigeria must strengthen those protecting the nation

By: Our Reporter

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed plans to deepen investment in police training, intelligence gathering, and modern law enforcement systems, as part of a broader plan to transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) into a world-class institution.

He said the Nigerian state owes a permanent moral duty to empower its security agencies, as the nation’s peace is only as secure as the men and women who keep vigil over its citizens.

Speaking on Tuesday at the National Police Day Grand Parade and Procession in Abuja, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima , maintained that no nation can make meaningful progress without a secure social environment.

Accordingly, he declared that the Federal Government would deepen investments in training, intelligence gathering and modern policing infrastructure as part of his administration’s ongoing reform agenda.

“We will continue to support these reforms through sustained investment in training and capacity development, modern equipment and technology, improved intelligence and investigative capabilities, and better welfare and working conditions for police personnel.

“We are determined to build a Police Force that is well equipped, well trained, and well-motivated to confront the complex security challenges of our time,” the President stated

The Nigerian leader observed that while history chooses to reward certain professions with applause, there are others which civilisation depend on to survive, “even when their labour is too often repaid with silence.”

He acknowledged the burden of sacrifice being shouldered by the police force, stressing that the country cannot afford to take such a sacrifice for granted because “every nation is only as safe as those who keep vigil while others sleep.”

Underscoring the need to empower the force, President Tinubu said, “Nigeria must strengthen those who protect the nation. Security is not simply the defence of territory or the prevention of crime. It is the first currency of progress.”

He noted that the observance of National Police Day, institutionalised last year, reflects the Federal Government’s deliberate recognition of the sacrifices made by police officers, adding that the administration remains resolute in strengthening the Police through concrete policy actions and sustained investment.

The President paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifice as part of the nation’s enduring moral inheritance.

His words: “Their sacrifice is written into the conscience of our country. Their memory must remain a lamp to those who wear this uniform today and to those who will wear it tomorrow. To their families, I extend the profound gratitude of a grateful nation.”

The Nigerian leader commended serving officers for their resilience and dedication in maintaining law and order across the country, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.

He further charged officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and fidelity to the rule of law.

“The uniform you wear is not a licence for arbitrariness; it is a covenant of service. The badge on your chest is not an ornament of power; it is a reminder of duty,” President Tinubu declared, even as he demanded stronger collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies

Observing that effective policing must be rooted in trust and community partnership, he said, “When citizens and law enforcement stand on opposite sides of suspicion, insecurity thrives. This is why community-centred policing is a democratic necessity.”

The President reaffirmed the administration’s vision of building a police institution that embodies excellence, accountability, courage and service, while restoring public confidence in law enforcement.

In his address, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, said the police force, under his command, is deeply aware of expectations and concerns by the Nigerian people, stating that the approval of President Tinubu’s for the commemoration of the National Police Day is a commitment to the service of fallen and serving officers.

He acknowledged the risks, sacrifices and commitment of police officers nationwide, urging the NPF to rise above indiscipline, misconduct and every action that tarnishes the image and reputation of the force.

IGP Disu pledged that the leadership of the force, under him, will stand firmly with every officer that follows the rules, serving with dignity, just as he assured the public of a more disciplined, accountable and professional police force, standing with the Nigerian people.

The IGP noted that the current management of the police force is building an institution that is not only intelligence led but committed to professionalism in all ramifications.

In seperate goodwill messages, the representatives of Wema Bank and Premium Trust Bank, paid glowing tributes to the police force for its contributions to safety and security, pledging their support for the delivery of professional policing services across the country, through their platforms and services.

The grand finale of the 2026 National Police Day celebration featured march past, procession and tactical displays by various police units and cadets of the Police Academy.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Governors of Nasarawa and Ebonyi States; representatives of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives; service chiefs; former IGPs, Ogbonnaya Onovo, Mohammed Abubakar, Kayode Egbetokun, Suleiman Abba, Usman Alkali Baba; President of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and members of the association; senior government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, among others.

AT NATIONAL POLICE DAY: President Tinubu Unveils Investment In Modern Law Enforcement Systems

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Troops arrest suspect with 75 live cartridges in Awka, Anambra

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Troops arrest suspect with 75 live cartridges in Awka, Anambra

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 5 Operation UDO KA have arrested a suspected criminal in Awka, Anambra State, and recovered 75 live cartridges in his possession.

Security sources said the arrest was made at about 7:00 a.m. on April 5, 2026, during a routine operation in the state capital.

The suspect was allegedly found with the ammunition concealed in his bag at the time of arrest.

During preliminary questioning, the suspect claimed he received the cartridges from a friend, while efforts are ongoing to identify and track the source of the consignment.

Authorities said the suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue.

Troops arrest suspect with 75 live cartridges in Awka, Anambra

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Troops uncover illegal crude oil storage facility in Ahoada West forest in Rivers

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Troops uncover illegal crude oil storage facility in Ahoada West forest in Rivers

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, have uncovered an illegal crude oil storage site in the Orashi National Forest in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Security sources said the discovery was made at about 9:00 a.m. on April 4, 2026, during an anti-illegal bunkering operation conducted by troops deployed at Aminigboko, alongside personnel of 103 Battalion and 16 Brigade Garrison.

During the operation, troops reportedly found two long galvanized pipes estimated at about 500 metres each, two hoses approximately 50 metres long, and a large reservoir containing stolen crude oil estimated at about 15,000 litres.

The recovered items were handled in line with the directives of Operation DELTA SAFE. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and dismantle other illegal bunkering networks in the area.

Troops uncover illegal crude oil storage facility in Ahoada West forest in Rivers

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