The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of a new state university for Imo, bringing the total number of universities in Nigeria to 301.
The executive secretary of the NUC, Abdullahi Ribadu, has presented a letter of recognition for the establishment of the University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Moma, Imo state, to Governor Hope Uzodinma during a brief ceremony held on Monday, October 20, in Abuja.
Ribadu stated that the new institution becomes the third state owned university in Imo and raises the total number of universities in Nigeria to 301.
He explained that with the issuance of the recognition letter, relevant bodies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) would be duly informed for inclusion in their operational frameworks.
The NUC boss stressed the importance of adequate funding and infrastructure to ensure effective teaching and learning, adding that a resource verification visit would be conducted before the university’s full commencement.
Ribadu commended the Imo state government for its strides in expanding access to quality higher education through supportive policies, infrastructure, and funding, describing the establishment of the new university as a bold and visionary move that underscores governor Uzodinma’s commitment to youth empowerment, workforce development, and knowledge-driven growth.
He urged all stakeholders including government officials, university management, staff, and students to collaborate in building a world class institution founded on excellence in academics, research, and governance.
Ribadu stated, “This University should not just be another addition to the list of universities, but a true centre of learning, character building, and societal transformation.
“The NUC will continue to provide the necessary guidance and support and to ensure that the university attains its full potential.
“We expect that it will adhere strictly to the guidelines set for quality assurance, curriculum development and overall management of academic programmes.”
Governor, Hope Uzodinma, who applauded NUC for approving take off of the new university, noted that the university would not only expand access to tertiary education in the state but also equip young people with vocational, digital, and entrepreneurial skills for them to become job creators and not job seekers.
He said the university is being established with active collaboration with the University of Berkeley, California, to equip the students with practical skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the economic development of the state and the nation at large.
He said, “We have graduated through our digital city over 50,000 young minds, acquiring different types of digital skills, and we think that a proper certification that would enable them to fit into society will be necessary.
“That is the reason for establishment this university and in our relationship with University of Berkeley, in California, a world class university.
“The state of California is the richest in the world today, and 80% of its revenue is derived from technology and patents.
“If we are able to replicate that here in Nigeria, particularly in Imo state, it will not only boost our economy and locally generated revenue, it will also boost our ability to have a civilised society where people can go about their businesses, create confidence in our young, upcoming population, so that they don’t go into crimes here and there.”
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