NUC approved new University of ICT for Ebonyi

The National Universities Commission, NUC has approved the establishment of the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science, and Technology, Oferekpe, in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu announced the approval in Abuja at the presentation of a letter of recognition for the new University to Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru. Professor Ribadu said the move was a significant milestone for the state and the NUC in advancing higher education in the country.

While promising to provide the necessary support to the University, Professor Ribadu said the University would commence academic activities after the necessary resource verification”. Professor Ribadu stated.

“We are ready and willing to support this young university. However, we need to indicate that giving a recognition letter is not equated with starting or commencement of academic activities. We will still have to undertake what is called resource verification” Professor Ribadu stated.

“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 before the Commission will give the go-ahead for commencement of academic activities” he noted.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC stated that a copy of the recognition letter would be forwarded to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for necessary action.

Responding, Ebonyi State Givernor, Francis Nwifuru emphasized the role of the new university in addressing the technological manpower needs of the state and the nation at large.

He outlined the government’s efforts to ensure the institution’s smooth takeoff, including the construction of key infrastructure and the appointment of principal officers.

Governor Nwifuru revealed that over 1,000 students were undergoing scholarship programs for postgraduate studies to meet the university’s human resource needs.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing adequate funding and creating a globally competitive institution.

Our correspondent reports that with the approval, the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science, and Technology, Oferekpe becomes the 66th state university in Nigeria and the 278th in the Nigerian University System.