Uzodimma Secures NUC Approval for Imo’s Fourth State University: The University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Omuma

Governor Hope Uzodimma has received official approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for the establishment of the University of Innovation, Science and Technology (UIST) in Omuma, Imo State, marking a new milestone in the state’s educational and digital transformation agenda.

The approval, presented on Monday by the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, brings the total number of state-owned universities in Imo to four, alongside existing tertiary institutions such as the State Polytechnic, College of Education, and Schools of Nursing and Midwifery.

Governor Uzodimma described the new university as a strategic step toward institutionalising the Skill-Up Imo Initiative, a flagship digital empowerment programme that has already trained and equipped over 50,000 young people across the state with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills.

“Our outstanding records so far in the Skill-Up Imo Initiative, with over 50,000 young people trained in various skills, have inspired us to take legal measures to institutionalise this transformative approach,” Uzodimma said while receiving the certificate.
“The University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Omuma, will ensure our graduates emerge not just as job seekers but as entrepreneurs, innovators, and globally competitive professionals equipped for the digital economy.”

The governor emphasised that while funding a fourth state-owned university may appear financially demanding, the long-term benefits in human capital development and economic growth far outweigh the costs.

“This is a visionary investment conceived to propel our digital economy through a well-equipped, future-ready youth population,” Uzodimma added.

In his remarks, Prof. Ribadu praised Uzodimma’s leadership vision and commitment to education, expressing confidence that the new university would significantly advance Nigeria’s human capital development.

“This is a bold and commendable step toward nurturing innovation-driven graduates and building the kind of skilled workforce Nigeria urgently needs,” Ribadu said.

The University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Omuma, is expected to serve as a hub for digital research, technological advancement, and entrepreneurship, aligning with Imo State’s growing reputation as a centre for tech-driven education and youth empowerment.