By Awhawha Awhawha
Critical stakeholders in Southern Kaduna under the auspices of Forum of Southern Kaduna Professors (FOSKAP), have finally opened up, stating that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seems to be very much aware of the neglect the region went through under the previous administrations, judging from the establishments of federal presence and favorable appointments made in few years under Tinubu administration in the area.
The group made the revelations in a statement issued Saturday, signed and made available to newsmen by the forum’s chairman Prof. John Gambo Laah, (Professor of Geography in the state University).
FOSKAP expressed firm believe that the establishments has given them special pleasure and further renewed their belief in the Tinubu administration. “From what we gathered, it is evident that the President is aware that Southern Kaduna has suffered neglect by successive governments. The President has proven that “ubi jus ibi remedium” (there is no wrong without a remedy)”.
The chairman, Prof Laah said “We consider it necessary to address you today on issues that are defining and will continue to define our future as a people and as a region.
“Southern Kaduna is currently undergoing a phase of significant economic and political transformation which has driven both our aspirations and expectations to elevated levels”, forum chairman said.
He also said “As critical stakeholders of Southern Kaduna and indeed Nigeria, the Southern Kaduna Professors have resolved to, from henceforth, engineer corresponding actions to support the impactful initiatives by the government (at all levels) and by our elected and appointed representatives”.
According to him, over the past two years, both the Federal and Kaduna State Governments have also directed considerable investments toward our region.
This, he said, is evident in the establishment of the institutions such as the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan; the Military Command Centre, Samaru Kataf; the Command Secondary School, Zango Kataf.
Others listed are the Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition City, Samaru Kataf; the UBEC Junior Vocational Secondary School, Jagindi and (vii) the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre, Mabuhu, Zonzon respectfully.
The Forum affirmed that these initiatives are foundational to equipping their youths with the practical skills and vocational training necessary for long-term personal and regional advancement.
“We thank the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan.
“This has given us special pleasure in further renew our belief in the Tinubu administration. From what we gathered, it is evident that the President is aware that Southern Kaduna has suffered neglect by successive governments. The President has proven that “ubi jus ibi remedium” (there is no wrong without a remedy)”, forum said.
They also commended the appointments of His Lordship, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah and Professor Barnabas William Qurix as the Pro-Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia respectively.
“Their leadership brings credibility, integrity, and academic strength to the institution. We support the appointment of Dr. Haruna Abubakar Shehu as the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan. There is no doubt that square pegs have been put in square holes”, forum stated.
It also expressed our gratitude to the Vice President, Mallam Kashim Shettima GCON, for his compassionate approach to issues that concerned Kaduna State and Southern Kaduna area in particular.
“He was very committed to ensuring that the Government approved the establishment of a Federal University and Federal Medical Centre in Southern Kaduna.
“We want to express our gratitude to the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Uba Sani. Since has being sworn in on May 29th, 2023, he has demonstrated that he is committed to inclusive governance.
“His utterances, actions and body language indicate his sincerity of purpose and commitments to ensuring that all parts of Kaduna State enjoy the dividends of democracy. He has been the number one supporter of establishing the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan and the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia. We cannot thank him enough”, it also stated.
The forum said they have taken cognizance of the singular efforts of our Senator, Barrister Sunday Marshall Katung in initiating, sponsoring and ensuring the passage of the Bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences Kachia, with the College of Medicine and the attendant Teaching Hospital to be sited in Manchok.
“We are happy that he fulfilled his promise in early 2022 he made to the Forum of Southern Kaduna Professors. We note with pride his continued advocacy even after the signing of the Bill into law. We want to assure the Distinguished Senator that for these sterling achievements, we shall continue to watch his back. He will never walk alone”, it added.
Forum sincerely their representatives in the House of Representatives and the Kaduna State House of Assembly, for shown a deep commitment to the development of our region.
It particularly commend Hon. Dan Amos for facilitating the establishment of the UBEC Junior Vocational Secondary School in Jagindi, and Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji for their contributions toward the realization of the Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan.
“The establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, and the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, has created platforms for us (professors) to come together and to contribute to the development of our dear region and country.
“With over 196 Professors from Southern Kaduna, we are more than eager to contribute meaningfully to both institutions’ clinical, academic, and research cultures. We shall also be ready to help the management of both institutions carry out their ethical and fiduciary duties.
“We also extend our appreciation to other elected and appointed sons and daughters of Southern Kaduna. We single out the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General CG Musa for special mention, for his contributions to the development of Southern Kaduna.
‘In an effort to tackle insecurity in Kaduna State, three new Military Commands were established with one located at Samaru, Zango Kataf Local Government Area. We are impressed with the quality of the construction works at the sites of the Military Command Barracks, Samaru Kataf and the Command Secondary School, Zango Kataf.
“We commend the covert and overt efforts of the CDS in ensuring sustained peace and security in our country. The Forum of Southern Kaduna Professors is committed to working as individuals and as a cohesive team to ensure an accelerated search for comprehensive solution to the insecurity challenges in our region and in Nigeria as a whole.
“We shall continue to support the efforts of the CDS and effectively collaborate with all stakeholders and the government at all levels to ensure mutual trust and peaceful coexistence of all communities in our region.
“The last Prayer Summit held at Fadan Kagoma on Monday, 21st of April, 2025 and supported by the CDS, proved our willingness to work together on peace. In the weeks ahead we shall be holding our retreat in other to re-gig ourselves and to make credible adjustments to the realities of the times.”, they said.
They also expressed our sincere gratitude to their Royal Fathers and the Southern Kaduna People for their commitment, resilience, faith and patience during difficult times and their unwavering commitment to our people’s survival. “Our Royal Fathers are contributing significantly in ensuring relative peace in our communities”.
