The Federal Government has explained how it successfully convinced Bishop Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, to take on the role of Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council at the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa revealed that Vice President Kashim Shettima played a crucial role in nominating and persuading Bishop Kukah to accept the appointment.
This came to the fore during the inauguration of the university’s Governing Council and Principal Officers in Abuja yesterday.
Speaking at a conference hall at the Ministry’s headquarters, Dr Alausa said: “Bishop Kuka is very busy.
When the Vice President was nominating Bishop Kuka, he was very worried that I’m going to put a lot of burden on his mind. The Vice President said Bishop Kukah has so much respect for him.
“I’m giving the words of the Vice President now. ‘He has so much respect for me. Every time I’ve asked him to do something, he accepts that service. I want to ask him to take on the position of the Pro Chancellor.
“I know he’s already stretched to the limit, but for my own selfishness, for the country, in service of the country, I will ask him. And I know he will not say no’.
“And lo and behold, the Vice President reached out to Bishop Kuka, and what did Bishop Kukah say? He said, ‘Yes, I will do it.”
The Minister expressed his gratitude to the renowned religious leader for accepting the appointment, despite his numerous commitments and responsibilities.
He noted that his decision to take on this new role is a testament to his dedication to education and his commitment to giving back to the community.
The event was graced by several dignitaries including the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas and others.
An indigene of the state from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna, General Musa pledged that the Nigerian military will provide robust security for the university, ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.
Bishop Kukah, a well-respected figure in Nigeria, known for his efforts in promoting peace and conflict resolution for over four decades, has been vocal about various issues affecting the country, including out-of-schoool children, poverty, hunger, and economic hardship.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
