The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted a certificate of recognition to the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology, and Climate Action, Gembu.
Speaking in a short ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu noted that this was the 69th state owned university and the 313th in the Nigerian University System.
Ribadu added that the establishment of the university demonstrates the state government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and harnessing the state’s unique agricultural and environmental advantages.
According to the NUC Boss, the decision by the state government to establish a university focused on food security, agricultural productivity and climate change demonstrates a clear understanding of the issues Nigeria face.
“Today’s recognition is an important milestone. However, it should be understood that recognition is not the same as approval to commence academic activities. A copy of the recognition letter will be forwarded to JAMB, TETFund, NYSC and NELFund.
“Before students can be admitted, the commission must conduct resource verification to confirm that the required human and material resources are in place. When the university is ready, it should invite the commission to assess its level of preparedness in line with established guidelines and standards. The National Universities Commission remains committed to supporting institutions through its quality assurance framework”, he said.
Responding, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, kefas Agbu, pledge to channel the appropriate resources to the new university.
“We are praying that we put our resources together to ensure that we start immediately so that if we also help to make Nigerians to know the nature, God’s gift to this country, because that particular environment is good for tourism, is good for agriculture, is good for livestock, is good for so many things. So I’m sure that it will be like another opening for a very serious investment. Well, I want to assure you that we’ll try our best to make sure that we fund all our investment”, he said.
