NUC approves new varsity for Imo

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.

Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu issued a letter of recognition for establishment of the University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Moma, Imo State, to Governor Hope Uzodinma at a brief ceremony on Monday in Abuja.

He disclosed that the University of Innovation, Science and Technology, is the third Imo State owned University, bringing the number of Universities in the country to 301.

Ribadu noted that by issuance of a letter of recognition for the new University, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) would be duly notified for inclusion in their respective frameworks.

He emphasised the need to ensure proper funding and provision of the right infrastructure for enhanced teaching and learning in the new University, saying that before full take off, the Commission would pay a resource verification visit to the institution.

He hailed Imo State for remarkable progress in expanding access to quality higher education through supportive policies, infrastructure development and funding initiatives, adding that the establishment of the University of Innovation, Science and Technology was a bold and strategic step that reflects Governor Uzodinma’s strong commitment in empowering the youth, developing the workforce and promoting knowledge driven growth across Imo state.

He called on all stakeholders, including government officials, university administrators, staff, and students, to work together to ensure that the institution flourishes and upholds the highest academic standards, research, and good governance.

“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 National Universities Commission 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,” Ribadu stated.

Imo State 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.

“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,” he stated.

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