From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted a recognition letter to the Ebonyi State government to operate a new university with a focus on aeronautics and aerospace engineering.
The new university, Ebonyi State University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering which is located at Ezza, Ebonyi State brings the number of State University in the Ebonyi state to three, namely, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki; Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science, and Technology, Oferekpe Agbaja, Izzi Local Government Area, and the new University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, Ezza, Ebonyi State.
Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu presented the provisional licence to a delegation from the state led by the Deputy Governor, Patricia Obila, at NUC headquarters in Abuja, on Friday.
He disclosed that based on NUC record, the new university is the 69th state university and 300th university in Nigeria, and congratulated the state government for the ambition to be a leading state in terms of education.
He disclosed that a copy of the licence will be sent to JAMB, TETFUND, NELFUND, NYSC, and other relevant organisations for proper recognition.
The NUC boss further stressed the importance of adhering to established guidelines as regards university operations in Nigeria, suggesting that the Commission be contacted for proper guide to avoid sanctions.
The Deputy Governor, in her remarks, thanked NUC for the recognition, and assured the Commission and Nigerians that the new university will herald the required solutions to the aviation challenges in Nigeria, in addition to training the required manpower for the aviation sector for the Nigeria, Africa and even global market.
She confirmed that the state is not being over ambitious in establishing the third state-owned university, stating that adequate preparations have been made in terms of funding, mentorship, administration, infrastructure, and others, to ensure smooth take-off and running of the university.
