From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Dioceses, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, has commended Governor Uba Sani for his efforts in stabilising Kaduna State, given its strategic importance in the country.
Bishop Kukah, who is also the pro-chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, praised the governor for going beyond the call of duty in making the institution a reality.
The bishop gave the accolades when he and members of the university’s management paid a courtesy call on Governor Sani at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.
The pro-chancellor disclosed that the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Qurix, has been visiting relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to facilitate the commencement of academic session.
Kukah, who said the federal university has built on the pioneering efforts of the former NOK University, promised that it would be one of the best in the country.
According to him, the university would commence academic session in September but noted that it has a few challenges that will require the intervention of Kaduna State, noting that the university will need more infrastructure in the coming years and for this reason, it requires more land for expansion and access road.
The pro-chancellor also said the federal university would require utility vehicles and adequate security.
Responding, Governor Sani said he has been working closely with Bishop Kukah on not just the university but on a number of issues, adding that the clergyman has been a pillar of support.
According to the governor, 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 his developmental strides in Kaduna 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.
Disclosing that the minister of education promised that funds will be made available to the university through TETFUND, the governor pledged to give the university more land, adding that the managing director of Kaduna State Roads Agency( KADRA) will assess the access road to the school for necessary action.
On security, Governor Sani noted that although there were a lot of military formations in Kachia, he promised to collaborate with the Chief of Defence Staff to strengthen security, adding that he will also sit with members of his administration on the issue of utility vehicles.