William Barnabas Qurix (popularly known as W.B. Qurix) is a Nigerian academic and Professor of Architecture who was appointed by the President as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK), on February 11, 2025. Previously, he served as the 4th Vice-Chancellor of Kaduna State University (2012 to 2016) and Bingham University, Karu (2018 to January 2024)
Summary
- Full name: William Barnabas Qurix
- Date of Birth: November 4, 1961
- State of origin: Kaduna State
- Alma mater: Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaira
- Area of specialisation: Architecture
- Current position: Vice-Chancellor, FUASK
- Assumption of office: February 11, 2025
- Previous academic positions: Vice-Chancellor at Kaduna State University (KASU) and Bingham University
Education
In 1985, William Qurix earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State. He further pursued two master’s degrees: a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Architecture from ABU in 1987 and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos (UNIJOS) in 2001. Before obtaining his postgraduate degree in Law and Diplomacy, he had already earned a Ph.D. in Architecture from ABU in 1997.
Career
Immediately after completing his final examinations at ABU, Qurix joined the Department of Architecture as a part-time lecturer. He later proceeded to his one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja, where he worked as a site architect, supervising construction projects.
In 1988, he was employed by his alma mater, ABU, where he held various academic and administrative positions within his department, faculty, and at the Senate level of the university.
In 2009, the Governor of Kaduna State appointed him as a member of the Think Tank on Education and, later that same year, as the Chairman of the Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority.
In 2010, he was appointed as the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Kaduna State, a position he held until 2011.
In 2012, upon the recommendation of the Kaduna State University (KASU) Governing Council, Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa appointed Prof. Qurix as the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor of KASU. However, he did not complete his five-year tenure as he was removed on September 16, 2016, by Governor Nasir El-Rufai. He was succeeded by Professor Ado-Baba Ahmed (September 16, 2016 – January 24, 2017).
Following his removal, W.B. Qurix continued as a visiting lecturer in several higher institutions within and outside Nigeria. In January 2018, he was appointed as the 4th Vice-Chancellor of Bingham University, a private university in Karu, Nasarawa State. He held this position until January 8, 2024.
In January 2025, Prof Qurixa was appointed as the Chairman Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, by the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
On February 11, 2025, President Bola Tinubu appointed him as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (formerly Nok University).
Until his federal appointment, Prof. Qurix served as a visiting lecturer at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and an offshore thesis supervisor at the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.
Professional Membership
Professor Qurix is a member and fellow of several professional bodies, including:
- The Association of Architectural Educators (AARCHES), where he is also a council member
- The Architects Registration Council of Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Architects NIA
- The Earth Construction Society
- International Institute of Facility Managers, United States of America
Research Works
His scholarly works have been published in local and international journals. Some of his notable research papers include:
National Honour
In 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan conferred on him the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in recognition of his contributions to knowledge and architectural development.
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