By Godfrey AKON
The National Universities Commission, NUC, has officially approved the establishment of the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe.
The approval makes the institution the 66th state university in Nigeria and the 278th in the Nigerian University System, NUS.
While presenting the recognition letter to Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Thursday, NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, clarified that the university could only commence academic activities after the necessary resource verification process.
“Receiving a recognition letter is not the same as starting academic activities. The Commission will conduct a resource verification exercise to assess infrastructure, classrooms, libraries, and staffing before granting approval to begin operations,” he said.
Nwifuru, in response, emphasized that the university was created to expand access to quality education for Ebonyi State indigenes and address technological manpower needs in the rapidly advancing global tech environment.
The governor assured that the state government would provide sustainable funding for the university’s growth, highlighting ongoing construction projects, including the Senate Building, Staff Quarters, Students’ Hostels, and a University Library, which are nearing completion.
He also revealed that his administration had appointed principal officers for the institution and launched a scholarship program for 1,000 students pursuing postgraduate studies locally and abroad.
“Upon graduation, these trained individuals will strengthen the academic workforce in Ebonyi State’s tertiary institutions,” he noted.
The university aims to significantly enhance access to higher education and contribute to the technological and economic development of the state and nation.
