Gov Nwifuru Decries Unemployment, Encourages Ebonyi Yourhs To Embrace Entrepreneurship Education
By Alex Odeh, Pan Afric Reporters
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has decried the rate of growing unemployment in Nigeria in general and in Ebonyi State in particular, while calling on the youths of Ebonyi State to immediately embrace entrepreneurship education in order to be empowered and be self-reliant.
The governor gave the advice during the maiden matriculation ceremony of 187 pioneer students of the Ebonyi State University of Information Communication Technology, Science and Technology (UICTO), Oferekpe, Izzi, Ebonyi State.
The 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony of the institution was held at the university’s permanent site in Oferekpe Agbaja, located in Izzi local government area of the state.
The Governor further pronounced an award of scholarship to the students of UICTO, Oferekpe, should they are unable to access the Federal Government–supported student loan provided through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Nwifuru explained that the scholarship, if activated, would cover the students throughout their academic stay in the institution.
He maintained that the initiative is designed to support the pioneer students and help them excel in their studies.
He described the matriculation ceremony as a historic moment that would be remembered for generations, noting that it marks the formal beginning of a journey that started as a vision shared by leaders of the state, including the immediate past governor, David Nweze Umahi.
According to him, the university represents a dream that has now grown into a centre for learning, innovation, and technological advancement in the state.
“There was a time when the idea of establishing a specialized institution focused on information and communication technology was merely a discussion among forward-thinking leaders of this state who believed that the future belongs to knowledge, technology, and innovation,” he said.
The governor added that those leaders recognized the rapidly changing global landscape and understood that the youths of Ebonyi must not be left behind in the digital age.
He explained that the project moved from concept to reality through extensive planning, legislative processes, consultations, and partnerships.
Nwifuru also expressed deep appreciation to the host community of Oferekpe Agbaja for donating land for the establishment of the university.
He reminded guests and visitors that the land was not idle but previously served as farmland that sustained generations of families.
“In their wisdom and love for progress, the community chose to sacrifice these lands so that knowledge could grow,” the governor said, praising the community’s generosity and commitment to development.
The governor noted that the establishment of the institution aligns with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, which prioritises education and human capital development.
He disclosed that the state government has already sponsored several Ebonyi indigenes for postgraduate studies in institutions within and outside Nigeria, with the aim of deploying them as lecturers and technical personnel at the ICT university upon completion of their studies.
According to Nwifuru, the university was conceived as a specialised institution designed to produce innovators and job creators rather than graduates who rely solely on already saturated job markets.
He explained that the institution’s curriculum is tailored toward entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and innovation-driven education, using modular systems that emphasise practical outcomes.
“The rate of unemployment is troubling, and entrepreneurship education can empower our young people to become self-reliant and create opportunities for others,” he said.
The governor also revealed that significant capital investments have been made to develop infrastructure at the university.
He said the administrative complex that will house the offices of the Vice-Chancellor and other principal officers is nearing completion. Faculty buildings, classrooms, staff quarters, student hostels, and campus road networks are also at advanced stages of construction.
According to him, these developments will soon transform the campus into a modern learning environment capable of supporting world-class technological education.
Nwifuru expressed optimism that the university would become a globally recognized centre for cutting-edge technological innovation.
He, however, warned the newly admitted students against cultism and other social vices.
“Universities are places for learning, innovation, character formation, and leadership development, not environments for negative influences,” he said.
“This is an institution for high flyers, not higher fools.”
The governor urged the students to remain focused on their studies, build meaningful relationships, and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the institution.
He also encouraged them to be good ambassadors of their families, the university, and the host community of Oferekpe Agbaja.
