The Nigerian government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), has approved the establishment of Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science, and Technology, Oferekpe.
The institution becomes the 278th university in Nigeria and the 66th state-owned university in the country.
The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, announced the approval on Thursday while presenting a letter of recognition to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.
According to Prof. Ribadu, a copy of the recognition letter will be sent to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
However, he clarified that academic activities at the university would only commence after the completion of a resource verification process.
“Giving a recognition letter does not equate to the immediate commencement of academic activities,” Ribadu stated.
“The Commission will undertake resource verification to assess infrastructure, classrooms, libraries, and staffing before granting the go-ahead for academic operations.”
Prof. Ribadu assured the new university of the NUC’s support and readiness to assist in its growth and development.
In his response, Governor Francis Nwifuru expressed his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality and affordable higher education.
He noted that the university, originally proclaimed in 2021, was established to address the technological manpower needs of the state and the nation.
“The aim of this university is to increase access to quality and affordable tertiary education, particularly for Ebonyi State indigenes, and to equip students with the technological skills needed to meet the demands of a fast-changing, tech-driven world,” Nwifuru stated.
The governor reiterated that the institution will play a key role in fostering innovation and preparing graduates to contribute to national development.
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