Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state, on Saturday, announced scholarship support for the 187 pioneer students of the Ebonyi State University of Information and Communication Technology, Science and Technology (UICT), Oferekpe Agbaja, in Izzi Local Government Area, should they fail to access the Federal Government-backed student loan under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Governor Nwifuru disclosed this during the 2025/2026 maiden matriculation ceremony of the institution held at its permanent site in Oferekpe Agbaja.
The governor explained that the scholarship, if activated, would cover the students throughout their academic stay in the institution, noting that the initiative was designed to support the pioneer students and enable them to excel in their studies.
Describing the matriculation ceremony as a historic milestone, Nwifuru said the event marked the formal beginning of a journey that started as a vision shared by leaders of the state, including the immediate past governor, Senator David Nweze Umahi.
According to him, the university represents a dream that has now grown into a centre for learning, innovation and technological advancement in the state.
“There was a time when the idea of establishing a specialised institution focused on information and communication technology was merely a discussion among forward-thinking leaders of this state who believed that the future belongs to knowledge, technology and innovation,” he said.
The governor noted that those leaders recognised the rapidly changing global landscape and understood that Ebonyi youths must not be left behind in the digital age.
He added that the project eventually moved from concept to reality through extensive planning, legislative processes, consultations and partnerships.
Nwifuru also expressed appreciation to the host community of Oferekpe Agbaja for donating the land used for the establishment of the university.
He reminded guests that the land was previously used as farmland that sustained generations of families before the community decided to release it for the development of the institution.
“In their wisdom and love for progress, the community chose to sacrifice these lands so that knowledge could grow,” the governor said.
He noted that the establishment of the institution aligns with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda, which prioritises education and human capital development.
The governor further disclosed that the state government had already sponsored several Ebonyi indigenes for postgraduate studies within and outside Nigeria with the aim of engaging them as lecturers and technical personnel for the university upon completion of their programmes.
According to him, the university was conceived as a specialised institution designed to produce innovators and job creators rather than graduates who depend solely on already saturated job markets.
He explained that the institution’s curriculum is tailored towards entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and innovation-driven education using modular systems that emphasise practical outcomes.
“The rate of unemployment is troubling, and entrepreneurship education can empower our young people to become self-reliant and create opportunities for others,” he said.
The governor also revealed that significant capital investments had been made to develop infrastructure in the university.
He said the administrative complex that will house the offices of the Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers was nearing completion, while faculty buildings, classrooms, staff quarters, student hostels and campus road networks were also at advanced stages of construction.
According to him, the developments would soon transform the campus into a modern learning environment capable of supporting world-class technological education.
Nwifuru expressed optimism that the university would become a globally recognised centre for cutting-edge technological innovation.
He, however, warned the newly admitted students against cultism and other social vices, stressing that universities are meant for learning, innovation and character development.
“This is an institution for high flyers, not higher fools,” the governor said.
He urged the students to remain focused on their studies, build meaningful relationships and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the institution while also serving as good ambassadors of their families, the university and the host community.
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