National Universities Commission, NUC, has approved the establishment of the Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship as the 67th state university in the country.
Executive Secretary of NUC, Abdullahi Ribadu made this known in Abuja yesterday while presenting the recognition letter to Governor Bassey Otu.
Otu was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh,.
Ribadu said the approval marks a significant milestone for the state, as it aims to foster innovation, educational development and entrepreneurship within the region.
He explained that the new institution is expected to provide quality education with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, while also equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a modern economy.
He said the approval reflects a commitment to advance higher education and contribute to the socio-economic development of Cross River State and beyond.
“The approval of this proposed university shall be in line with our mandate to regulate and maintain quality assurance in the 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 one federal, one state and four private universities, among other tertiary institutions,” he said.
Ribadu maintained that Cross River State government had played a significant role in expanding access to quality higher education through policies, infrastructural development and funding.
According to him, the establishment of a second state-owned university underscores government’s commitment to expand higher education opportunities.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I urge stakeholders 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,” he said.
The NUC boss pledged the commission’s readiness to provide the necessary guidance and support to ensure that Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship attains its full potentials.
In his response, Otu said the establishment of the university is a dream come true in the history of educational advancement in the state.
Otu said the establishment of the university would also address the problem of unemployment in the state.
“We have dreamt of this day. We have worked for this day. And coming this far, we appreciate the efforts of the NUC in guiding us, supporting and giving us direction.
“Mr Executive Secretary, it is therefore, my honour and privilege to, as a matter of fact, present to you, on behalf of the governor, what we have tirelessly done.
“The academic briefs, the master plan and university law as contained are in these packages.
“We believe that these packages, as they are, contain all the requirements by NUC, and we are here to present them to you to tell the commission that we are ready,” he said. (NAN)
