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Tinubu’s appointment of Bishop Director of Kukah is the president of Kaduna Varsity, which has caused various reactions in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto, as director and chairman of the Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences of Kachia, Kaduna State.
The announcement contained in the statement was disclosed on March 17, 2025 by Special Advisors on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.
Along with Bishop Kuka’s appointment, President Tinob also appointed other major officials of the university. He appointed other key figures as leaders at the university, such as:
Professor Qurix Williams Barnabas (Vice President)
Sanusi Gambo Adamu (Register)
Ibrahim Dalhart (Bursar)
Professor Daniel Abubakar (University Librarian).
In addition, Tinubu has appointed regional representatives of the Council, who are:
Mr. Thomas Etuh (Central North)
Chief Fabian Nwaora (Southeast)
Professor Femi Taiwan (Southwest)
Zarah Bukar (Northeast).
According to the statement, the newly appointed “is carefully selected based on their outstanding career, leadership experience and dedication to education in Nigeria.”
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President Tinubu implored them to use their collective expertise to position the university as a hub of academic excellence and research, in line with the government’s new hope agenda.
He stressed the importance of visionary leadership on laying a solid foundation for the university’s growth as it prepares to recognize its first student cohort in September 2025.
According to analysts, these strategic actions highlight the government’s commitment to strengthening the national higher education sector by integrating experienced and visionary leaders.
Bishop Kuka’s extensive background in advocacy, ethics and community development makes him an invaluable asset to the university’s mission of academic excellence.
These changes at Kaduna University were due to the federal government’s acquisition of the institution.
Recall that the federal University of Applied Sciences Kachia was formerly known as Nok University and was then acquired by the federal government.
Now, under the leadership of Bishop Kuka and the appointed chief officer, it will become a key institution in the Nigerian educational environment as expectations for new leaders are high that can push the university to achieve its mission to promote innovation, research and practical education success.
However, some Nigerians responded that the appointment was politically motivated because the president’s affiliation with the famous Bishop of Kuka was to attract urging Catholics to consider his reelection in 2027.
