Nigeria Gets 313th University As NUC Recognises Taraba Institution

The Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action, Gembu, has been officially recognised by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

With the approval, the number of universities in Nigeria has increased to 313 and the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action, Gembu has become the 68th state university.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, on Thursday in Abuja presented a certificate of recognition to a delegation from the state led by Governor Agbu Kefas.

Prof. Ribadu said the establishment of the specialised institution was a deliberate step by the Taraba State Government to widen access to tertiary education and at the same time, harness the enormous agricultural resources and peculiar environmental advantages of the state.
He said agriculture remains central to the economic growth of Nigeria despite perennial challenges such as food insecurity, low productivity and the growing impact of climate change.

The NUC boss said the university’s focus on agriculture, science, technology and climate action is a reflection of the nation’s current priorities and long-term developmental goals.

“The decision of the state government to set up a university for agriculture, science, technology and climate action shows a clear understanding of the challenges facing the country,” he said.

The location of the university provides a natural environment that can be a valuable asset for teaching and research, he said, but he acknowledged that the area has accessibility challenges that will require continued government investment.
However, he said the official recognition does not automatically allow the institution to start academic activities.
The commission, he said, would carry out a comprehensive resource verification exercise to confirm the availability of qualified personnel, adequate infrastructure and other essential facilities before granting approval for the university to admit students and commence academic programmes.

“The decision of the state government to set up a university that focuses on agriculture, science, technology and climate action shows a clear understanding of the issues that we face.

“In many ways, the environment itself becomes part of the teaching and research infrastructure.” However, he added, the location also presents accessibility challenges that require continued government investment.

But the NUC boss, however, stressed that recognition of the university does not mean automatic approval to start academic programmes.

He said the commission will still conduct a full resource verification exercise to determine the availability of the necessary personnel, infrastructure and facilities before the institution can admit students.

Also, copies of the recognition letter would be sent to major education sector agencies like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) and other relevant stakeholders, Ribadu said.

Governor Kefas in his response said the establishment of the university will put the Mambila Plateau on the national and international map, adding that many Nigerians are still unaware of the area in spite of its huge agricultural and ecological value.

He told the commission that the state government was committed to meeting all the regulatory requirements for the successful take-off of the institution.

The governor said the state would continue to develop the newly recognised institution and strengthen Taraba State University.