EFCC Reveals How Seized University Was Transformed Into Federal Institution

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed how a university seized from criminal elements was forfeited to the Federal Government and converted into a fully operational federal institution.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede disclosed this on Friday in a post on his official X handle.

He said the institution, formerly known as NOK University in Kachia, Kaduna State, was eventually forfeited to the government.

It was subsequently converted into the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK).

Olukoyede said the university matriculated 1,909 students in December 2025.

He noted that many of the students may otherwise have struggled to gain access to higher education.

“A university seized from crime is now a federal university,” Olukoyede said.

He added that young Nigerians who might never have entered a lecture hall were now studying at the institution.

The EFCC chairman also disclosed that another private university had recently been forfeited to the Federal Government.

He said the university, located in Kebbi State, had both temporary and permanent sites, with an official residence for its vice-chancellor.

Olukoyede described the residence as possibly larger than the Presidential Villa.

According to him, the EFCC recovered and secured the forfeiture of 10,053 assets between October 2023 and July 2026.

The assets include properties, vehicles, factories, hotels, oil rigs and aircraft.

He said the disposal of forfeited assets had so far generated N12.07 billion for the Federal Government.

Cash recoveries during the period stood at N1.233 trillion, in addition to recoveries in various foreign currencies.

The EFCC also secured 10,872 convictions within the period under review.

Olukoyede said the impact of asset recovery goes beyond punishment, as it also strengthens government revenue and discourages criminal activities.

“This is what enforcement looks like when it moves beyond punishment,” he said.

He added that every asset recovered from a criminal enterprise reduces the incentive for future crimes, with some of the proceeds eventually returning to society “as a classroom.”