The National Universities Commission, NUC, has formally recognised Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action, Gembu.
The recognition, which confers on the institution the status of Nigeria’s 313th university and the country’s 69th state-owned university, was announced during a ceremony attended by Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, government officials and key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, described the establishment of the university as a strategic response to national concerns surrounding food security, agricultural productivity and climate change adaptation.
According to him, the decision to situate a specialised institution on the Mambilla Plateau reflects a deliberate effort to harness one of Nigeria’s most agriculturally endowed and environmentally unique regions for teaching, research and innovation.
“The decision by the state government to establish a university focused on agriculture, science, technology and climate action demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenges facing the country,” Ribadu said.
He added that the Mambilla Plateau offers rare climatic and agricultural advantages capable of supporting world-class research and practical training in agriculture and environmental studies.
Despite the recognition, Ribadu stressed that the university cannot begin academic operations until it successfully undergoes the commission’s resource verification process.
“Before students can be admitted, the commission must conduct resource verification to confirm that the required human and material resources are in place,” he said.
The NUC boss explained that the institution would also be required to establish key governance structures, including the appointment of principal officers and the constitution of a governing council, before receiving approval to commence academic activities.
He further urged the Taraba State Government to guarantee sustainable funding for both the newly established institution and Taraba State University, noting that long-term financial commitment remains critical to institutional stability and growth.
Ribadu also advised stakeholders to build a strong culture of academic excellence from inception, saying the success of the university would depend largely on the quality of its foundation.
The Commission however cautioned that the institution must meet regulatory requirements before commencing academic programmes or admitting students.
Responding, Governor Agbu Kefas thanked the commission for facilitating the recognition process and pledged that his administration would fulfil all regulatory requirements needed for the institution to begin operations.
Kefas described the university as a major investment in the future of the state, saying it would drive educational advancement, agricultural development, tourism and economic growth across the Mambilla Plateau.
The governor expressed confidence that the institution would attract students from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, particularly Cameroon, while serving as a centre for research and innovation in climate-resilient agriculture.
He assured the NUC of the state government’s commitment to adequate funding and strategic partnerships, adding that the experience and infrastructure of Taraba State University would be leveraged to support the growth of the new institution.
Kefas also disclosed that the government was considering shortening the university’s name to make it more concise and easier to identify, while reiterating that investment in higher education remains a key pillar of his administration’s development agenda.
