The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, has commended Governor Uba Sani for his efforts in “stabilising” Kaduna State, given its strategic importance in the country.
Kukah, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, praised the governor for going beyond the call of duty in making the varsity a reality.
He gave these accolades when he and members of the university’s management paid a courtesy call on the governor at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.
The Pro-Chancellor disclosed that the Vice-Chancellor of the new university, Professor Barnabas Qurix, has been visiting relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to facilitate the commencement of academic session.
He said that the university has built on the pioneering efforts of the former NOK University, and promised that it will be one of the best in the country.
According to him, the university will commence academic session in September but it has a few challenges that would require the intervention of the state government.
The clergyman said that the university needs more infrastructure in the coming years and, for this reason, requires more land for expansion.
The pro-chancellor also said that the university also needs an access road, utility vehicles and adequate security.
Responding, Governor Uba Sani said he has been working closely with Kukah on not just the university but on a number of issues, adding that the clergyman has been a pillar of support.
According to him, his doors are always open as he reiterated his commitment to deepen consultation amongst the diverse people of Kaduna State, irrespective of their ethno-religious or party affiliations.
He said that his developmental strides in the state was made possible because of the prevailing peace, adding that there has never been any ethnic or religious crisis since he assumed office about two years ago.
The governor also argued that peace was achieved because of his administration’s policy of taking development to every part of the state, irrespective of whether or not the area voted for him.
Sani disclosed that the Minister of Education promised that funds would be made available to the university through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
He promised to give the university more land, adding that the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA) will assess the access road to the school for necessary action.
On security, the governor noted that although there are a lot of military formations in Kachia, he will collaborate with the Chief of Defence Staff to strengthen security.
He promised to sit with members of his administration on the issue of utility vehicles.
