Nigeria Gets 313th University As NUC Certifies Taraba Institution

Nigeria added another university to its roster on Friday as the National Universities Commission officially recognised a new climate-focused institution in Taraba, raising the national tally to 313.

The approval was formalised in Abuja when NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, handed the certificate of recognition to a Taraba delegation led by Governor Agbu Kefas.

Ribadu said the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action, Gembu, was created to tackle urgent national problems around food security, agricultural output and climate change.

He added that the school is expected to drive research, innovation and skilled manpower in areas central to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Ribadu noted that the state’s decision to build a university around agriculture, science, technology and climate action shows an awareness of global trends and Nigeria’s own development gaps.

“The decision by the state government to establish a university focused on agriculture, science, technology and climate action demonstrates a clear understanding of the issues we face,” he said.

He pointed to the Mambila Plateau’s ecology as a natural laboratory that can support hands-on teaching and research to address climate and food production challenges.

He noted that the commission will carry out a full resource verification to check infrastructure, staffing and learning facilities before the university can admit students or begin academic programmes.

He added that the recognition letter will be sent to key agencies including TETFund and NELFUND, and urged the state government to keep funding steady for the new school as well as Taraba’s existing university.

Also speaking, the Taraba Governor called the approval a landmark for Taraba and the Mambila region, saying it would put the state’s agricultural and ecological strengths on a wider map.

He promised to meet all NUC conditions and continue investing in tertiary education in the state.
“We will continue to partner with you, take your advice and follow due process to ensure this university stands the test of time,” the governor said.

The governor also disclosed plans to shorten the institution’s long name to make it easier to manage and identify.