By Our Reporter
The Governor of Ebonyi state, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has approved scholarship awards for 187 pioneer students of the Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe Agbaja.
The governor made the announcement on Saturday during the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony held at the institution’s Convocation Arena.
According to him, the beneficiaries will enjoy the scholarship for five years, even if they are unable to access the federal government’s Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He also warned that the state government would maintain zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism and other anti-social behaviours.
Nwifuru explained that the establishment of the institution was aimed at producing graduates who would become job creators through innovation and technology rather than job seekers in an already saturated labour market.
He noted that the policy aligns with his administration’s manifesto, which prioritises entrepreneurship, skill acquisition and education for economic self-reliance.
The governor said the rising unemployment rate in the country makes it necessary for universities to equip students with entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to create opportunities for themselves and others.
He urged the newly admitted students to take advantage of the opportunities available at the university by focusing on their studies and developing innovative ideas that could help address societal challenges.
“As you bend down to take advantage of this vision, you will acquire the skills and knowledge that can help lift you and your families out of poverty,” he said.
On infrastructure development, the governor disclosed that the state government has embarked on the construction of key facilities within the institution, including lecture theatres, a Senate building, administrative blocks, as well as staff and student quarters to create a conducive learning environment.
He also charged the freshmen to be good ambassadors of the university, the Oferekpe Agbaja community, their families and Ebonyi State at large.
Nwifuru further urged the management of the university to ensure that academic standards are not compromised.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Ernest Egba, said that since academic activities began in mid-2025, the university had recorded notable research progress.
He explained that the institution had already engaged in projects ranging from creative sketching to the production of medical consumables and products supporting female hygiene.
Egba emphasised that the establishment of the university was deliberate and strategic.
“The university is not accidental but intentional. The investment in this institution is an investment in the technological sovereignty of our dear state and the nation,” he said.
The university currently runs 20 academic programmes under five faculties: Engineering and Technology; Computing; Communication, Management and Social Sciences; Allied Health Sciences; and Architecture and Environmental Sciences.
