From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has promised that it will not allow previously looted assets to be re-looted.
The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, made this statement during his visit to the newly established Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Kaduna State.
The university’s facilities were taken over by the Federal Government following a court order that mandated the forfeiture of what was once a privately owned institution. Nok University, founded in 2021 by Anthony Hassan—former Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Health—was forfeited in June 2024. A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, issued a final forfeiture order after discovering that Hassan had misused public funds to acquire the university and its related assets, which included a water factory, hotel, and event center.
During his visit, the EFCC Chairman emphasized that good governance is achievable in Nigeria and that Nigerians should benefit from the proceeds of accountability. He stated, “This is a testimony that good governance can be realized in Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated us to ensure the delivery of good governance, demonstrating leadership through actions and words.”
“Never in the history of this country will we allow recovered assets to be re-looted again. This serves as a testament to accountability, transparency, and the prudent use of recovered assets. Nigerians deserve to enjoy the benefits of accountability, and that is why we have decided to return these assets to the people. After recovery, the immediate community must be the first beneficiaries. We appreciate the leadership of Mr. President because this has not happened before.”
He further discussed his recent trip to Bayelsa State, where he commissioned projects funded by money recovered from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). “Ordinarily, this was not part of the EFCC’s mandate, but because these projects were constructed with proceeds of crime, this is what we will be doing going forward,” he explained.
“The President directed that we hand over the Kachia project to the Ministry of Education, which we did openly at the Villa. I promised at that event that we would ensure the facility is used according to the President’s directives. That is why we are here today to demonstrate to Nigerians that the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia is a reality.”
He called on skeptics who doubt the effectiveness of the anti-corruption campaign to recognize this achievement as proof that the initiative is working for the benefit of Nigerians. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enabling the EFCC to operate effectively and praised Governor Uba Sani, Senator Sunday Katung, and other stakeholders for their commitment to establishing the Federal University.
Earlier, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing the Kaduna South Senatorial District, commended the EFCC for positively responding to the request to convert the forfeited Nok University into the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia. He said, “We are indeed grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and our Governor Senator Uba Sani for making this university a reality, as its establishment feels like creating a state for us.”
Additionally, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Qurix, praised the EFCC Chairman for his visit and requested necessary support to ensure the university can thrive.
