The National Universities Commission (NUC) has officially approved the establishment of the Ebonyi State University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, marking a historic step in Nigeria’s higher education development.
NUC Executive Secretary Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu announced the approval during a presentation ceremony at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He described the move as a milestone in expanding access to quality education, highlighting Ebonyi State’s growing portfolio of higher institutions and its commitment to academic excellence.
Ribadu emphasised that the new university would play a pivotal role in equipping students with the expertise needed in the fast-evolving field of aerospace and aviation technology. He called for strong collaboration between the university, industry, and government to drive innovation and ensure students gain practical experience. The institution, he said, will operate under the Commission’s updated Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), designed to blend theory with real-world skills in engineering and related disciplines.
The new university became Nigeria’s 69th state-owned university and was assigned the special recognition number “300” by the NUC. Students of the institution will be eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), access to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and potential support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Speaking on behalf of the Ebonyi State government, Deputy Governor Patricia Obila expressed gratitude to the NUC for the approval and reaffirmed the state’s dedication to education-driven development. She noted that the establishment of the university aligns with the state’s broader goals of youth empowerment and technological advancement, especially following the launch of the state’s airport.
The Deputy Governor confirmed that preparations are underway for resource verification and that the university hopes to begin admitting students by the 2025 academic session. She assured the state would maintain high academic standards and provide the necessary infrastructure and governance for the institution’s success.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, addressing journalists later, stressed that the university was born out of vision, not politics. “We are not just adding to the numbers. We are building a university that will produce skilled professionals in aerospace engineering, support our new airport, and create jobs for our people,” he said.
He added that the state had fully funded the project to this stage without external support and pledged continued commitment to its success. “This university is our legacy. It will empower our youth, create opportunities, and position Ebonyi as a key player in Nigeria’s technological future,” the governor declared.
The Ebonyi State University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering is expected to catalyse research, education, and industry growth in the aerospace sector, placing Nigeria on a stronger path to technological self-reliance and innovation.
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