Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has restated the agency’s position that assets recovered from corrupt individuals must be used in the interest of the Nigerian public.
Olukoyede made the remark on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Southern Kaduna.
The institution, formerly Nok University, was forfeited to the government by court order following findings related to illicit funding.
According to the EFCC, the property was handed over for public use following a presidential directive from President Bola Tinubu to convert it into an educational facility.
“This property has been returned to the people,” Olukoyede said. “Recovered assets will not be allowed to be relooted. It is no longer business as usual.”
He credited the decision to repurpose the property for education to President Tinubu and also mentioned the involvement of Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in facilitating the process.
While describing the infrastructure at the site as well-developed, Olukoyede called on local residents and stakeholders to take ownership of the facility and safeguard it. “Most universities don’t have what we’re seeing here. It is now up to you to preserve it for future generations,” he said.
He added that academic activities are expected to begin by September 2025 and said he would return to the school when students commence classes.
“This is what the fight against corruption is about, returning stolen resources to the people,” he said.
Vice Chancellor of the new university, Prof. Barnabas Qurix, described the handover as significant for the region.
Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South, also commended the project, saying it signals progress in a long-neglected area.