The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) Youth Wing issues a pressing appeal to the Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, to urgently introduce a comprehensive scholarship scheme for indigenes seeking admission into the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK). This plea is necessitated by the significantly high tuition fees levied by the institution, which pose a severe barrier to accessing tertiary education for our people.

The tuition and associated fees at the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, are alarmingly high for the average family in Kaduna State. With core program fees ranging from ₦160,000 to ₦250,000 per annum (excluding acceptance and accommodation fees), these costs place the institution’s offerings far beyond the financial reach of a significant portion of our community.

The programs offered at FUASK are vital for developing critical human capital in specialized fields. Denying our bright, motivated youth access to these crucial programs solely on the basis of unaffordability is a disservice to the future development of Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

This financial challenge brings back painful memories of the actions taken by the immediate past administration of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, which implemented an astronomical increase in tuition fees across all state-owned tertiary institutions. This sudden and substantial hike, which saw fees in institutions like Kaduna State University (KASU) jump from under ₦30,000 to over ₦150,000 for indigenes, had a devastating impact.

However, we appreciate the current administration led by His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani for commendably reviewing and reducing the fees in state-owned institutions, thereby fulfilling an election promise and offering much-needed relief.

We, the Sokapu Youth Wing, recognize Governor Uba Sani’s commitment and his recent efforts to make education more accessible to all. We are appealing to the Kaduna State Government to:

* Establish a Targeted Scholarship Scheme: Create a dedicated scholarship or bursary program for all indigenes of Kaduna State admitted into the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kaduna, specifically designed to cover a substantial portion of the high tuition fees.

* Review Financial Aid Structure: Harmonize and significantly increase the amount of existing need-based local scholarships through the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board to reflect the current economic realities and the high fees charged by specialized federal institutions like FUASK.

Education is the most powerful tool for empowerment and poverty alleviation. We urge Governor Uba Sani to act decisively to ensure that no qualified indigene of Kaduna State is denied the opportunity to attend this specialized institution simply because their family is poor. Let us ensure that the foundation of knowledge laid at FUASK is accessible to all, irrespective of financial background.

However, we wish to add our voice to the ongoing political debates in our region, particularly the exchanges between political parties over the uncertain political future of some of our federal lawmakers.

The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), under the leadership of Comrade Samuel Tabara, remains apolitical. Our primary concern is the development of Southern Kaduna, regardless of the political platform through which such progress is achieved.

SOKAPU will never compromise its core values, the defense, and the promotion of our people’s collective interests. We, therefore, urge politicians to sheath their swords and put the interest of the region above personal or partisan considerations. Politics should not become an altar upon which relationships, unity, or progress are sacrificed.

If the advancement of Southern Kaduna can best be realized under any political party, so be it. Political parties are merely vehicles for accessing power; what matters most to us is how that power is used to better the lives of our people.

We appeal to all stakeholders to avoid name-calling and unnecessary exchanges over individual political choices. The ongoing rumours about defections should be unifying and not become a source of division or hostility. It must be noted that our block votes in successive elections have earned us respect and political capital. Therefore, if political realignment would help to reenact this feat, so be it. After all, in politics there are no permanent friends nor enemies, the only thing that gains primacy and pride of place is the interest of our People.

If our collective goal truly remains the development and progress of our people, then we must de-emphasize politics and prioritize development.

Signed:

Isah Anjadick E.

Public Relations Officer,

SOKAPU National Youth Wing

October 6, 2025