The newly inaugurated Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK), has officially launched its first academic year, welcoming approximately 2,000 students in accordance with directives from the federal government.
President Bola Tinubu authorized the creation of the university and mandated that academic activities begin by September 2025.
In his address to the inaugural class, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Quirix hailed the university’s launch as a significant milestone that will enhance Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
Prof. Quirix emphasized that FUASK’s academic programs are intentionally crafted to nurture graduates who are self-sufficient, entrepreneurial, and innovative.
“Our curriculum incorporates 30 percent of courses recommended by the National Universities Commission (NUC), focusing on business development, environmental management, and social governance. Our goal is to cultivate graduates who are not reliant solely on government employment but are equipped to create opportunities and solve societal problems,” he stated.
“Launching a new university inevitably comes with challenges. Some students encountered difficulties with the online registration platform; however, we provided on-site technical support, which has been effective. Most students are now completing their registration, and we anticipate full system stability shortly,” Quirix added.
He also revealed that the Federal Government has sanctioned funding for staff salaries and operational expenses, while the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has contributed capital funds to support ongoing infrastructure development across the campus.
“Although the government’s backing is invaluable, financial resources remain limited. We are actively seeking alternative funding sources to ensure the university’s sustainable advancement,” he noted.
Regarding admissions, Prof. Quirix shared that out of 1,000 candidates offered places through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), 650 have accepted their offers. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to adhering strictly to the centralized admission procedures.
On the matter of campus security, the Vice Chancellor assured parents and students of a safe learning environment.
“We are fully committed to maintaining security. You will notice that security personnel have already been deployed to protect both staff and students,” he confirmed.
Several pioneer students expressed enthusiasm about their acceptance into FUASK.
Bonath Jethro, who will be studying cybersecurity, praised the university for facilitating a seamless registration experience.
Likewise, Ofurum Chioma, a Medical Laboratory Science student from Delta State, expressed gratitude for her admission and vowed to dedicate her research efforts to addressing local healthcare issues.
FUASK is part of a new wave of federal universities established to broaden access to tertiary education in Nigeria’s underserved areas, contributing to national educational development.
