The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK), Kaduna State, has officially commenced academic activities, marking the beginning of its first-ever academic session. The historic take-off on Monday comes just months after the Federal Government approved the institution, which has now inherited the infrastructure of the defunct NOK University.
The campus came alive with pioneer students, lecturers, administrators, and traders as the university opened its doors. Addressing journalists, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Williams Barnabas Qurix, described the commencement of lectures as “the foundation for future scientists and innovators,” stressing that FUASK was designed to drive applied science education and practical research in Nigeria.
“Today is more than the beginning of lectures; it is the birth of an institution that will shape the future of innovation in this country. Every graduate will leave here with not just knowledge but also a component of business enterprise and product development,” Qurix said.
He explained that the university’s curriculum is industry-focused, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, modern laboratories, ICT-driven teaching, and discipline-specific Students’ Industrial Work Experience Schemes (SIWES) to deepen practical training. He further disclosed that FUASK is working towards becoming a fully solar-powered campus, with strict security measures already in place, including the presence of a nearby military base.
On discipline, Qurix warned pioneer students against cultism, bullying, alcoholism, or misconduct, stressing that penalties would range from rustication to expulsion. Each department, he added, will also adopt its own dress code, with Architecture already mandating formal wear for part of the week.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Uba Sani, Minister of Education Maruf Tunji Alausa, Senator Sunday Katung—who sponsored the bill that gave legal backing to the institution—as well as Bishop Matthew Kukah, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, and other stakeholders.
Reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. The National President of the Parents Association of Nigeria, Haruna Danjuma, described FUASK’s take-off as “a huge relief and a promise of brighter opportunities for Nigerian youths,” while visiting lecturer Prof. Alexander Kure said the project was both “exciting and challenging.”
For pioneer students like Bilqees Akunola, a Pharmacy undergraduate from Ogun State, the experience is a privilege. “Being a pioneer student is special. I look forward to learning in a place where technology and creativity are encouraged,” she said.
Members of the Kachia community also expressed optimism that the new university would boost local commerce, create jobs, and transform the town into an emerging education hub. Established under an Act of Parliament in 2025 after President Tinubu assented to Senator Katung’s bill, FUASK now stands as Nigeria’s first specialised university of applied sciences, with a bold vision to bridge the gap between theory and practice.