NUC approves establishment of three new universities in Imo

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of three new universities in Imo state to address the challenges of admission in the country.

The universities are: University of Science and Technology, Omuna Isiako, University of Creative Technology, Umuna and the University of Medical Sciences, Ogboko.

NAN reports that following the three new universities, Imo state will now have five universities, making it the only state with the highest number of universities in the country.

Abubakar Rasheed, executive secretary of the commission, while receiving the master plan, academic brief and environmental impact analysis from Rochas Okorocha, governor of the state, on Tuesday, in Abuja, said the universities would meet the needs of the country.

Rasheed noted that the commission would move into action on how to develop the curriculum for the universities to be allowed to commence operations.

“On behalf of the NUC, I congratulate the Imo governor on his efforts in supporting university education in the country,” he said.

“By the provision of the law establishing NUC and by the power converged on me and having Imo House of Assembly to pass the law for the establishment of the universities, I hereby recognise the three universities.

“What will be left is due diligence of the NUC for the take-off programmes of the newly established universities.

“We will have to quickly work on how to develop the curriculum for the universities to be allowed to commence.”

Okorocha had earlier explained that the need to satisfy more candidates seeking for admission was responsible for the establishment of the universities.

The governor noted that there was need for more manpower to handle the medicals, sciences and the creative sector of the country.

“The challenges of no admission for our children will be reduced with the establishment of the new universities,” said Okorocha.

“The support from NUC is encouraging public private participation in university education.

“As a state, we have made adequate plans in sustaining the university through enough funding to run the universities.”