Federal University of Applied Sciences Matriculates 1,909 Pioneer Students in Kaduna

The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK), Kaduna State, has matriculated 1,909 students, marking an unprecedented milestone in the academic history of the newly established institution since the commencement of academic activities in September 2025. The matriculation ceremony, held on Saturday, 20 December 2025, at the university’s main auditorium in Kachia, formally admitted the students into the academic community of the federal institution. Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. William Barnabas Qurix, OFR, FNIA, described FUASK as a young but rapidly growing university established to promote applied sciences, innovation, and practical skills development.

According to him, the university was deliberately designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, with the aim of producing graduates who are technically competent, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive.

“Our university is structured to close the disconnect between theory and practice. We are committed to producing graduates with hands-on skills, innovative capacity, and the ability to solve real-world problems,” Qurix said.

He disclosed that FUASK currently runs 18 academic programmes across seven faculties, with strong emphasis on rigorous instruction, industry-based learning, research, and community engagement.

The Vice-Chancellor attributed the institution’s rapid growth to sustained infrastructure development, largely funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Kaduna State Government, and other strategic partners. He noted that several lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, administrative offices, and access roads had been completed to ensure a conducive learning environment. Qurix also assured students and parents of adequate security on campus, stressing that the university had strengthened collaboration with relevant security agencies to safeguard lives and property. He reaffirmed management’s commitment to student welfare both academic and social while appreciating the hospitality and cooperation of the Kachia community and the local government authority, which he said facilitated the smooth take-off of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the support of prominent Nigerians and institutions toward the development of FUASK. He revealed that the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, CON, donated vehicles, approved land allocations, constructed the main access road to the campus, and provided financial support, including land for future expansion.

He further disclosed that the Defence Headquarters, through Air Vice Marshal Rabiu Dabo, facilitated the renovation of student hostels, while the Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Sunday Marshal Katung, donated three vehicles for the use of principal officers. In addition, the Member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Hon. Dan Amos, donated an ambulance to strengthen the university’s health services.

Prof. Qurix expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving the establishment of the university, as well as to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, the Minister of Defence, General (Rtd) Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Senator representing Southern Kaduna, Sunday Marshall Katung,Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, CON, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support.

“These gestures reflect the confidence of our leaders in the vision of this university and their commitment to national development through education,” he said.

He reiterated the university’s focus on product development, entrepreneurship, and innovation, noting that FUASK graduates would not only earn degrees but also acquire marketable skills capable of creating jobs and addressing societal challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor charged the students to uphold high moral standards, including honesty, discipline, integrity, and decent dressing, in line with the institution’s regulations.

“A graduate of FUASK is expected to be globally relevant while remaining locally impactful,” he added.

Qurix revealed that the 1,909 students were selected from over 4,000 applicants, describing the figure as a clear indication of the growing acceptance and appeal of the new federal institution.

Delivering the matriculation lecture titled “University Culture” the Guest Speaker, Prof. Andrew Haruna, FNAL, FLAN, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, described a university as more than a centre for academic learning, but a community built on shared values, traditions, and responsible conduct.

Haruna urged students to embrace maturity, personal responsibility, and ethical behaviour, while warning against social vices such as cultism, sexual misconduct, and drug abuse.

“Education is not merely about acquiring certificates; it is about building character, developing critical thinking, and cultivating a lifelong commitment to service,” he said.

In a goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Kachia Local Government Area, Dr. Manzo Daniel Maigari, who represented Governor Uba Sani, reiterated the Kaduna State Government’s readiness to support the success of the university, noting that FUASK would significantly transform the socio-economic life of Kachia and the state at large.

The Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA), Kachia, represented by Capt. Sani Mammada, assured of sustained military support in ensuring the safety of students and staff. He disclosed that student accommodation would be restricted to designated areas from next year to enhance security, while patrols and emergency response mechanisms had been strengthened. The leader of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) described the matriculation ceremony as more than a formal rite, noting that it was a privilege to be pioneer students of the institution. He pledged the students’ total commitment to academic excellence and adherence to the university’s rules and regulations. Parents and students expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the university, describing it as a positive step toward shaping the academic future and career prospects of Nigerian youths.

With the matriculation of its pioneer students, FUASK is positioning itself as an emerging centre of excellence in applied sciences, driven by innovation, skills acquisition, and character development in Kaduna State and beyond.

Signed

Prof. Adamu Sanusi Gambo

Registrar