A Nigerian privately founded university, Nok University Kachia, Kaduna State, has been officially taken over by the Federal Government after a Federal High Court ruled that the owner used illicit public funds to establish the institution.
Following the takeover, the institution has been renamed Federal University of Applied Science, Kachia, Kaduna State.
Moved by the Nok village’s historical acumen, an indigene, Chief Anthony Hassan, moved to further promote the ancient Nok name by seeking to establish the Nok University.
Unfortunately,the dream is never to be as the Nigerian government found the university founder used illicit funds to establish the institution.
On March 7, 2025 the Kaduna State government formerly handed over documents of the Nok University to the Minister of Education after a 2024 final forfeiture order by the court, over illegal financing of the school by the initial owner.
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AIT News gathered that the takeover by the federal government also involves the transfer of the university’s properties and assets, including academic buildings, a water factory, an international hotel, and an event centre.
The initial owner of Nok Univerisity, Chief Anthony Hassan from Kaduna State, previously held the position of *Director of Finance and Accounts in the Federal Ministry of Health.
The Nok village located in Kachia, Kaduna State is famous for its terracotta figurines which are some of the earliest known examples of African art.
Its historical importance made UNESCO to begin development of conservation plans for the village, aimed at preserving its cultural and archaeological heritage.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
