The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for the establishment of a new university in Imo State, further expanding access to tertiary education in the South East region.
The new institution, named University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Umuagwo, received official recognition following a thorough review of its academic brief, master plan, and administrative structure, the NUC confirmed during a presentation ceremony held in Abuja.
Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, who handed over the letter of recognition to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, praised the state government’s commitment to educational development and the timely submission of required documentation.
“With this approval, Imo now joins the ranks of states driving forward with specialized universities aimed at addressing critical national needs in food security, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability,” Professor Rasheed stated.
Governor Uzodinma, in his response, expressed gratitude to the NUC and assured that the university would uphold high academic and infrastructural standards. He noted that the institution is designed to provide practical training for young Nigerians in agriculture, green technologies, and environmental management.
“This university is not just about awarding degrees, it is about solving real problems,” the governor said. “We are building a knowledge hub that will serve the future of our state and the country.”
The newly approved university, located at the site of the former Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo, is expected to begin academic activities in the next academic session. According to the governor, recruitment of qualified faculty and non-academic staff is already underway, alongside infrastructure upgrades to meet university standards.
Students and education stakeholders in the state have welcomed the news, describing it as a timely intervention to expand learning opportunities, especially in areas of study that are often overlooked by conventional universities.
The approval brings the number of universities in Imo State to four, including the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Imo State University (IMSU), and Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ogboko.
The NUC reiterated its call for quality assurance and sustainability, urging the state government to prioritize funding, staffing, and accreditation processes as the new university prepares to admit its first batch of students.
source: tribuneonlineng.com
