By FUNMILAYO ADEYEMI

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

The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, during the formal licensing ceremony in Abuja on Friday, said the university also marked the 69th state-owned university in the country.

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

NAN recalls that the NUC approved the establishment of the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science, and Technology in January, this year, but the institution is yet to commence operations.

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

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

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

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

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

Presenting the new certificate, Ribadu described the moment as a ?historic milestone? that underlined the Ebonyi State Government?s commitment 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 said that the newly licensed university would focus on aeronautics and aerospace engineering, addressing Nigeria?s growing need for homegrown expertise in aviation and related technologies.

Presenting the certificate, Ribadu emphasised the importance of maintaining academic integrity, curriculum standards, and collaboration with industry leaders.

He urged the new university to align with the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), covering aerospace, automotive, mechatronics, and 26 related fields.

?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 does not only add to the number of institutions in the country, but stands out as a beacon of learning, character development, and societal transformations,? Ribadu said.

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

Responding, the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, said the new university will drive job creation, skill development, and national competitiveness in engineering and aviation.

Represented by Patricia Obila, the Deputy Governor, , Nwifuru, said the university seeks to diversify its economy and build capacity in emerging technologies, setting the stage for innovation, inclusion, 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 noted that education is a core priority of his administration and he is ready to give the best education the indigenous require for uplift.

?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 pledged to ensure that the institution becomes a model for others in both structure and quality. (NAN)

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