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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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China: Africa’s Most Reliable Companionon Africa’s Path to Development

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China: Africa’s Most Reliable Companion
on Africa’s Path to Development

By: Our Reporter

Development is an inalienable right of all countries, not a privilege of a few. Recently, Chinese Premier Li Qiang solemnly declared at the High-level Meeting on the Global Development Initiative hosted by China at the United Nations Headquarters that China as a responsible major developing country, will not seek new special and differential treatment in current and future negotiations at the WTO. This is a proactive step that China takes in support of the multilateral trading system, and a significant move to implement the Global Development Initiative and Global Governance Initiative.

The tariff wars initiated by the United States have seriously undermined global trade and economic order, posing serious challenges to the development of all countries, especially in the Global South. As the world’s second-largest economy, China actively defends the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, firmly upholds the multilateral trading system, so that it can better focus on development issues and help bridge the development gap between the Global North and South. As the largest developing country and the continent with the highest concentration of developing countries in the world respectively, China and Africa are both vital members of the Global South. China is willing to work with Africa to effectively implement the Global Development Initiative and to be the most reliable companion on Africa’s path to development.

China practices the principle of inclusive and universal benefits through an open market, expanding vast space for Africa’s development. A universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization is vital for developing countries. Some developed countries are unwilling to fulfill their commitments on development financing and have even withdrawn funding from international development institutions.

At the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit held last September, President Xi Jinping announced zero tariff treatment on products with 100% tariff lines for all least developed countries having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 African countries. In June this year, China extended the zero-tariff treatment to cover 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. From January to July 2025, China’s imports from Africa’s least developed countries reached 39.66 billion USD, with a year-on-year increase of 10.2%.

The facts prove that China’s proactive unilateral market opening measures will strongly drive the industrial development, promote employment growth and accelerate poverty reduction in Africa.

China shares advanced and practical technology to strengthen the core support for Africa’s innovative development. In a context where global technological barriers are increasingly prominent and key resources are concentrated in a few developed countries and multinational tech giants, “Intelligent Manufacturing in China” has enriched global supply, making previously inaccessible technology available.

At the AI Action Summit held in Paris in February, China signed the Statement on Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet together with other 60 countries and international organizations. Represented by Deepseek, Chinese AI models have broken the monopoly of Western tech giants through open-source modes, initiating an “AI democratizatio” process.

The supply of China’s advanced and practical technology promotes bridging the digital and artificial intelligence gaps, further empowering African industries and people, providing transformative power to Africa’s leapfrog development.

China provides green transition solutions to support a long-term future for Africa’s sustainable development. Possessing the world’s richest green resources such as solar and wind power, Africa remains one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. China actively shares green transition solutions with Africa. The Blue Line built by a Chinese company provides green and convenient public transportation to Lagos residents. Major projects built by Chinese enterprises, such as Morocco’s Noor III and II Concentrated Solar Power Project and South Africa’s De Aar Wind Power Project, have illuminated millions of homes across Africa and lit the path to sustainable development. China’s new energy vehicles are rapidly entering the African market, offering new options to improve urban air quality.

China’s green development solutions have helped Africa avoid the old path of “polluting first, cleanup later” at the early stage of its industrialization, paving the way toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

China supplies quality and affordable products to firmly support African livelihoods. From home appliances and clothing that improve the quality of life, to smartphones and base station equipment ensuring communication, as well as machinery and transport equipment supporting infrastructure development, “Made in China” is becoming deeply and comprehensively integrated into the daily lives of the African people.

These Chinese products meet Africans’ pursuit of better life while effectively reducing the cost of improving livelihoods and industrial development, providing a foundation for meeting basic needs and improving life quality, thus injecting sustained momentum into Africa’s economic and social development.

In his speech on the African Union Day, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, called for building an Africa where every African can thrive in dignity and hope. China firmly believes that global prosperity and stability cannot be achieved when the rich get richer and the poor poorer. Regardless of international uncertainties, China will uphold the UN-centered international system, stick to multilateralism and free trade, strive to build an open world economy, and provide robust support for Africa’s development as a true friend walking hand in hand on Africa’s path to development .

China: Africa’s Most Reliable Companion
on Africa’s Path to Development

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Police recover body of kidnapped Abuja man in Kachia, Kaduna State

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Police recover body of kidnapped Abuja man in Kachia, Kaduna State

By: Zagazola Makama

The Kaduna State Police Command has discovered of a body identified as that of a man earlier kidnapped in Abuja, found with gunshot wounds along Kabode Road in Kachia Local Government Area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported on Oct. 21 by Halilu Ayuba, the Village Head of Iseme Kachia, who resides at Unguwan Kuyafa in Kachia.

According to the sources , one Jamilu Danazumi of Kabode Village discovered the body around noon while traveling to Kachia. The deceased was found with a fatal bullet wound on his chest, near the Nigerian Army Exercise Camp along Kabode Road.

A piece of paper containing two phone numbers was recovered from the victim’s pocket. When contacted, the numbers were traced to his relatives, who disclosed that he had been kidnapped at Bukwa Village, Abuja, on Oct. 2, 2025.

Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and other security agencies visited the scene and the victim was rushed to General Hospital Kachia, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

The body was later deposited at the hospital morgue, while one empty shell of AK-47 ammunition was recovered at the scene as evidence.

Police say relatives of the deceased have been contacted and that investigation is ongoing to track down the perpetrators.

Police recover body of kidnapped Abuja man in Kachia, Kaduna State


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Free Nnamdi Kanu: NCoS Warns Protesters to Stay Clear of Correctional Facilities

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Free Nnamdi Kanu: NCoS Warns Protesters to Stay Clear of Correctional Facilities

By: Michael Mike

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared all correctional centres across the country a Red Zone that protesters should stay clear of in the proposed Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest.

The spokesman of the NCoS, Umar Abubakar in a statement on Sunday said:

“In light of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the public is hereby informed that all correctional centres are declared as Red Zones.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service reiterates that correctional centres are restricted areas and anyone who has no official business therein should stay off to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches.

“The Service urges all citizens to exercise caution and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for everyone. it is equally important to respect restricted areas such as correctional facilities.”

Free Nnamdi Kanu: NCoS Warns Protesters to Stay Clear of Correctional Facilities

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