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Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese is a distinguished Catholic cleric, scholar, and advocate for peace and social justice.
From 1976 when he was ordained a Catholic priest following his theological studies at St. Augustine’s Major Seminary in Jos, Plateau State, and further studies in Theology and Philosophy, to the time he earned Master’s degrees in Peace Studies from the University of Bradford; Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and a Ph.D. from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, he has never derailed from being on the side of God and justice for the people.
Throughout his ministry, Bishop Kukah played several influential roles, including Associate Parish Priest and Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.
His dedication to justice saw him appointed to Nigeria’s Oputa Panel, which was set up to address human rights violations, and as chairman of the Ogoni-Shell Reconciliation.
As an ardent advocate for interfaith harmony, Bishop Hassan Kukah served in the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue and led several initiatives for social justice and peace.
Similarly, as the convener of Nigeria’s National Peace Committee, chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, he has works alongside statesmen and well respected Nigerians.
As part of his life-long commitment to peaceful coexistence and national unity, Bishop Kukah has been promoting peaceful electoral processes and civic engagement, striving to foster Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and stability.
His contributions to peace and national development through The Kukah Centre have also been acknowledged.
In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu appointed him as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State, entrusting him with the responsibility of guiding the institution’s academic and administrative affairs.
Bishop Kukah is a prolific writer, with notable works through which he has rendered account of his service to humanity. Those works and public engagements have continued to inspire efforts toward national unity and ethical governance in Nigeria. At all times, he speaks truth to power.
For his resilience and consistency, The Sun Board of Editors chose him as winner of The Sun Courage in Leadership Award for 2025.
