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

 

The approval raises the number of universities in Nigeria to 313, with the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action, Gembu becoming the 68th state University.

 

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

 

Prof. Ribadu described the establishment of the specialised institution as a deliberate effort by the Taraba State Government to widen access to higher education while leveraging the state’s vast agricultural resources and unique environmental advantages.

 

According to him, agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, despite facing persistent challenges such as food insecurity, low productivity and the increasing effects of climate change.

 

The NUC boss noted that the university’s emphasis on agriculture, science, technology and climate action reflects the nation’s present priorities and long-term development goals.

 

“The decision by the state government to establish a university dedicated to agriculture, science, technology and climate action demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenges confronting the country,” he said.

 

He added that the university’s location provides a natural environment that can serve as a valuable teaching and research asset, although he acknowledged that the area faces accessibility challenges requiring sustained government investment.

 

He, however, clarified that official recognition does not automatically authorise the institution to begin academic activities.

 

He explained that the commission would first conduct a comprehensive resource verification exercise to confirm the availability of qualified personnel, adequate infrastructure and other essential facilities before approving the university to admit students and commence academic programmes.

 

He said: “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.

 

“In many respects, the environment itself becomes part of the teaching and research infrastructure,” he said, while acknowledging that the location also presents accessibility challenges that must be addressed through sustained government investment.”

 

The NUC boss, however, stressed that recognition of the university does not amount to immediate approval to commence academic programmes.

 

He explained that the commission would still undertake a comprehensive resource verification exercise to ascertain the availability of the required personnel, infrastructure and facilities before the institution can admit students.

 

Ribadu further disclosed that copies of the recognition letter would be sent to key education sector agencies, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) and other relevant stakeholders.

 

 

In his response, Governor Kefas said the creation of the university would place the Mambila Plateau on the national and international map, noting that many Nigerians remain unfamiliar with the area despite its enormous agricultural and ecological value.

 

He assured the commission of the state government’s commitment to complying with all regulatory requirements necessary for the successful take-off of the institution.

 

The governor added that the state would continue to strengthen Taraba State University while also developing the newly recognised institution.