The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that recovered assets are transparently and effectively utilized for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during an inspection visit to the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, Southern Kaduna, Olukoyede declared that under the current administration, it will no longer be “business as usual” in the handling of assets recovered from corrupt individuals and entities.
“Recovered assets will not be allowed to be relooted. Nigerians deserve to enjoy the benefits of the proceeds of crime. This property has been returned to the people, and we will always ensure that recovered assets are deployed for public good,” Olukoyede stated.
The university, formerly Nok University, a private institution forfeited by court order over illicit funding was taken over by the federal government through the EFCC’s intervention and has now been repurposed as a public university following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval.
Addressing community leaders, stakeholders, and dignitaries, Olukoyede said the inspection visit was a symbol of the Tinubu administration’s transparency and accountability, adding that the EFCC will ensure that assets recovered from corrupt acts are not only preserved but returned to serve the people.
“Good governance is no longer a slogan. Under this regime, it is a reality. The President has provided the leadership and given the marching order we recover for the people, not for recycling corruption.”he said
Olukoyede thanked President Tinubu for his political will and foresight in directing that the recovered university be used for educational advancement, rather than being auctioned off or misappropriated.
“I want to thank Mr. President for graciously approving this property for the benefit of the people,” he said. “I also appreciate Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for their contributions in making this vision a reality.”
While praising the infrastructure already in place at the university, he urged the local community to take ownership of the facility, preserve it, and protect it for future generations.
“Most universities in Nigeria don’t have these kinds of facilities. This is a legacy project, and we must guard it jealously,” he added.
According to Olukoyede, academic activities are expected to commence in September 2025.
He pledged to return to the institution to formally present the first set of students to Nigerians.
“This is the essence of fighting corruption — for the people to take back what was unjustly taken from them,” he said.
As another example of positive anti-corruption outcomes, Olukoyede referenced the recent commissioning of infrastructure projects in Bayelsa State.
These projects were funded from funds the EFCC recovered for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“It’s not in our mandate to commission projects, but we did so to show Nigerians what can happen when anti-corruption efforts yield results. The people are reclaiming what’s rightfully theirs,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor of the newly established university, Professor Barnabas Williams Qurix, commended President Tinubu and the EFCC Chairman for their historic roles in establishing the institution.
“This university is not just a school — it’s a legacy. The people of Southern Kaduna are deeply grateful,” Qurix said.
Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, also praised the Tinubu administration and EFCC for what he called a golden opportunity for the people.
“Your visit today has added substance to our message to the people: this government has wiped away their tears,” Katung said.
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