Chidimma Uchegbu
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of the Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship as the 67th state university in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, stated this on Tuesday while presenting the recognition letter to the governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, in Abuja.
He said the approval marks a significant milestone for the state, as it aims to foster innovation, educational development, and entrepreneurship within the region.
The new institution, he said, is expected to provide quality education with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the modern economy.
Ribadu said the approval reflects a commitment to advancing higher education and contributing to the socio-economic development of Cross River State and beyond.
“The approval of this proposed university or this university shall be in line with our mandates to regulate and maintain quality assurance in the Nigerian university system.
“Cross River State has a rich and evolving higher education landscape with institutions that foster academic excellence, research, and community development. Currently, the state is home to six notable universities comprising a federal, a state, and four private universities among tertiary institutions.
“The Cross River State Government has played a significant role in expanding access to quality higher education through policies, infrastructure development, funding, and now the establishment of a second state-owned university, which further underscores the government’s commitment to expanding higher education opportunities.”
He commended the state government’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the educational advancement of the people.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I urge all stakeholders, governments, officials, university administrators, faculty members, and students to work collaboratively to ensure that the institution thrives and upholds the highest standards of academic integrity, research excellence, and good governance.
“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 social transformation. The National Universities Commission will continue to provide the necessary guidance and support to ensure that the Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship attains its full potential,” he added.
Speaking, the governor, who was represented by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, said the establishment of the university is a dream come true in the history of education in Cross River State.
“We have dreamt for this day. We have worked for this day. And coming this far, we appreciate the effort of the NUC in guiding us, supporting us, and giving us all the directions to do what today is merely a fulfillment.
“Executive Secretary, it is therefore my honor and privilege to, as a matter of fact, present to you, on behalf of the Governor, what we have tirelessly done.
“By our midwifery, the academic briefs, the master plan, and university law as contained in these packages.
“We believe that these packages, as they are, contain all the requirements for equity the NUC requires, and we are here to present them to you to tell the Commission that we are ready, we are prepared to start the University of Education and Entrepreneurship.”
He said the establishment of the university will solve the problem of unemployment.
