THE National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the establishment of the Cross River State University of Education and Entrepreneurship .
The Executive Secretary of NUC, Abdullahi Ribadu, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday while presenting the recognition letter to Cross River state Gov. Bassey Otu.
Ribadu said the approval marked a significant milestone for the state, as it aimed 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 the modern economy.
He 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 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,” he said.
Ribadu maintained that Cross River State Government had played a significant role in expanding access to quality higher education through policies, infrastructure development and funding.
According to him, the establishment of a second state-owned university further underscores the government’s commitment to expanding 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 the Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship attained its full potential.
On his part, Gov. Otu, represented by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, said the establishment of the university was a dream come true in the history of education in Cross River State.
Otu said the establishment of the university would solve the problem of unemployment in the 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,” he said.
