KADUNA – In a significant boost to the academic landscape of Southern Kaduna, the Middle Belt Forum’s Kaduna Chapter has publicly lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing two distinguished Middle Belt sons to leadership positions at the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, has been appointed as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, while Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas will serve as the institution’s pioneering Vice Chancellor.
“These appointments reflect the President’s commitment to recognizing and harnessing the immense human resources within the Middle Belt region,” said Eld. Yusuf Solomon Danbaki, PRO of the Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna Chapter, in a statement released today.
Bishop Kukah, widely respected as an intellectual and peace advocate, brings his extensive experience in social justice advocacy and educational development to his new role. His appointment is expected to provide visionary leadership as the university establishes itself in the educational landscape.
Prof. Qurix, an accomplished academic and administrator with significant experience in higher education, has been tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the university, which is scheduled to admit its first students in September 2025.
The Forum expressed confidence that under their leadership, the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, will emerge as “a hub of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and innovation” that will transform the educational landscape of Southern Kaduna and Nigeria at large.
“The Middle Belt region is blessed with an abundance of highly skilled, visionary, and dedicated individuals who are eager to contribute to the growth and development of our nation,” the statement emphasized, urging President Tinubu to continue identifying and appointing more capable leaders from the region to key positions in his administration.
The Forum has pledged its full support to both appointees and the entire university community as they work to implement the institution’s mandate of fostering applied sciences and technological advancement in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
