The Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK), Kaduna State, on Saturday matriculated 1,909 pioneer students, marking a major milestone since the institution commenced academic activities in September 2025.
The ceremony, held at the university’s main auditorium in Kachia, formally inducted the students into the academic community of the newly established federal institution.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Barnaba Qurix, described FUASK as a fast-growing university established to promote applied sciences, innovation and practical skills development. He said the institution was designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice by producing graduates equipped with hands-on skills, entrepreneurial capacity and global competitiveness.
According to him, the university currently offers 18 academic programmes across seven faculties, with a strong focus on industry-based learning, research and community engagement. Qurix noted that the rapid development of the university had been supported by extensive infrastructure projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the Kaduna State Government and other partners.
He disclosed that lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, administrative offices and access roads had been completed to provide a conducive learning environment, while assuring students and parents of adequate security through strengthened collaboration with security agencies.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the Kaduna State Government and the Kachia community for their support, highlighting contributions by Governor Uba Sani, including the donation of vehicles, land allocation, construction of access roads and financial assistance for the institution’s growth.
He also acknowledged support from the Defence Headquarters, individual lawmakers and other stakeholders, expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministers of Education and Defence, the Pro-Chancellor, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and other partners for their commitment to the university’s vision.
Qurix charged the students to uphold discipline, integrity and good conduct, stressing that FUASK graduates are expected to be globally relevant and locally impactful. He added that the matriculated students were selected from over 4,000 applicants, reflecting growing acceptance of the institution.
Delivering a lecture titled University Culture, the guest speaker, Prof. Andrew Haruna, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, urged students to embrace responsibility, ethical behaviour and academic excellence, while warning against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Kachia Local Government Area, Dr. Manzo Maigari, who represented Governor Uba Sani, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the university, noting its potential to drive socio-economic development in the area.
Also speaking, the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia, assured students of enhanced security, with intensified patrols and reinforced personnel to safeguard lives and property.
Parents and students expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the university, describing it as a positive step toward expanding access to quality education and shaping future careers.
With the matriculation of its pioneer students, FUASK is positioning itself as an emerging centre of excellence in applied sciences, innovation and skills development in Kaduna State and beyond.
