NUC Approves 2 State-Owned Universities for Ebonyi Within Six Months

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of the Ebonyi State University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, Ezza, Ebonyi, making it the 300th university in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, during the official licensing ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, stated that the university also represents the 69th state-owned university in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institution is the third state-owned university in Ebonyi, following Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, established in 1999, and Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science, and Technology, Oferekpe.

NAN recalls that the NUC approved the creation of the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science, and Technology in January this year. Still, the institution has not yet begun operations.

In addition to the three state-owned universities, Ebonyi has two other state tertiary institutions, six federal tertiary institutions, and one private university.

The other two state-owned tertiary institutions are Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, and Ebonyi State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ngbo.

The six federal tertiary institutions include Alex Ekwueme Federal University, King David Federal University of Health Sciences, and Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic.

Others are the Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu; Federal College of Education (Technical), Isu; and Federal College of Health, Mgbo.

NAN reports that the sole private university in the state is Evangel University, Okpoto.

While presenting the new certificate, Ribadu described the occasion as a “historic milestone” which demonstrates the Ebonyi State Government’s dedication to educational development, technological innovation, and youth empowerment.

“This is not just about adding to the number of universities but about creating a world-class institution that will drive research, innovation, and industry collaboration in the aerospace sector,” Ribadu said.

He explained that the newly licensed university would specialise in aeronautics and aerospace engineering, responding to Nigeria’s increasing demand for local expertise in aviation and related fields.

Presenting the certificate, Ribadu stressed the need to uphold academic integrity, curriculum standards, and collaboration with industry experts.

He encouraged the new university to comply with the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), which cover aerospace, automotive, mechatronics, and 26 other related disciplines.

“We expect that it (the university) will adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth for country assurance, curriculum development, and the overall management of academic programmes.”

“As we celebrate this achievement, I urge all stakeholders—government officials, university administrators, faculty members, and students—to work collaboratively to ensure that the institution thrives and upholds the highest standards of academic integrity.”

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this university not only adds to the number of institutions in the country but also stands out as a beacon of learning, character development, and societal transformations,” Ribadu said.

He further stated that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) would all be duly notified.

In response, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, said the new university will promote job creation, skill acquisition, and national competitiveness in engineering and aviation.

Represented by Patricia Obila, the Deputy Governor, Nwifuru said the university aims to diversify the state’s economy and develop capacity in emerging technologies, laying the foundation for innovation, inclusivity, and international relevance.

“The certificate is given to us because we have been tested, we have gone through all the hurdles, and at the end of the day, we passed everything.”

“And that is why this certificate is given to us to move forward through the university and make sure that we contribute our own quota in education,” he said.

The governor stated that education is a key priority of his administration and that he is committed to providing the best quality education for the indigenes to prosper.

He said: “As we all know, our government is a friendly government, when it comes to education, it doesn’t play with it.”

“Through our People’s Charter of Needs, we have sent a lot of people abroad to learn one trade or the other. Not just abroad, within the federation.”

“We are doing this to make sure that we ameliorate the suffering of our people through education.”

“We are ready, we will not only sustain this legacy, we will lead with it,” he said.

He promised to ensure that the institution becomes a benchmark for others in both infrastructure and academic excellence.