In a significant stride for specialized education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has formally licensed the Ebonyi State University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, located in Ezza, Ebonyi. this new institution not only elevates the national count to 300 universities in Nigeria but also marks a strategic investment in critical technological fields.
professor abdullahi ribadu, executive secretary of the NUC, confirmed during the licensing ceremony in Abuja on Friday that this marks the 69th state-owned university nationwide. its establishment solidifies Ebonyi’s commitment to advanced technical education, becoming the state’s third university.
the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) noted that Ebonyi State previously established Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, in 1999, and recently gained approval for the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science, and Technology, Oferekpe, in January of this year. while the ICT institution is yet to commence operations, the latest approval for an aerospace engineering university underscores a concerted effort to cultivate expertise vital for Nigeria’s burgeoning aviation and space sectors.
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.
