Ebonyi State has taken a giant leap in education and technology with the approval of a new state university by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, located in Oferekpe, Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area, becomes the 66th state university in Nigeria and the 278th in the Nigerian University System.
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The announcement was made by the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, on Thursday, January 23, 2025, during a ceremony where he presented the letter of recognition to Governor Francis Nwifuru.
A Major Milestone for Ebonyi State
The recognition of the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology marks a significant milestone for the state. Governor Nwifuru emphasized the institution’s role in addressing the growing demand for higher education and advancing technological manpower in both the state and the country.
He stated that the university was established to increase access to higher education and to address the needed technological manpower requirements of Ebonyi State and Nigeria as a nation.
The governor also highlighted the state government’s commitment to the project, revealing that critical funds have been injected into constructing essential facilities on the university campus.
Facilities Under Development
According to Nwifuru, several key structures are already at various stages of completion, including:
- Senate Building
- Staff Quarters
- Students’ Hostels
- Faculty Buildings
- University Library
This infrastructural progress underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring the university is ready for its gradual take-off.
What the NUC Approval Means
While the letter of recognition is an important step, Prof. Ribadu clarified that it does not signify the immediate commencement of academic activities. The NUC will conduct a thorough resource verification before granting the university permission to admit students.
Speaking on this process, Ribadu said:
“The Commission will visit when the university is ready, it will invite the Commission to go and look at the state of affairs, to look at the infrastructure, to look at the classrooms, look at the library, look at the staffing. “
“After that, the Commission will give the go-ahead for the commencement of academic activities. It is pertinent to note that this university becomes the 66th state university,”
Ribadu assured that the NUC is fully committed to supporting the university as it prepares to welcome its first batch of students.
A Vision for the Future
The Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology aims to revolutionize education in the region by focusing on technology-driven learning. Established in 2021, the institution aligns with Governor Nwifuru’s vision of increasing access to education and equipping students with skills that match the demands of the modern workforce.
In addition to the university’s local impact, it represents a broader commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s educational landscape. The NUC’s decision to approve this institution reflects confidence in Ebonyi State’s efforts to meet national and global standards for higher education.
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The establishment of the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology is a transformative step for Ebonyi State and Nigeria. As the state government completes vital infrastructure and prepares for resource verification, anticipation builds for the day this institution opens its doors to students.