The National Universities Commission (NUC) has handed over to Imo State government, the operating licence of the Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ogboko, thereby ending the ownership tussle which has impeded its smooth take-off.
The Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Abubakar Adamu, handed over the operating certificate of the University to Governor Hope Uzodinma during a brief event held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The handover specifically puts to rest the ownership tussle of the university between former governor Rochas Okorocha and the incumbent government.
Uzodinma’s government had seized the university previously known as the Eastern Palm University, Ogboko, from Okorocha and renamed it as Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwa University, Ogboko, Imo State.
With the handover, the NUC has recognized and approved the operational license of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University Ogboko, Imo State, as the 42nd state-owned university in Nigeria.
While presenting the certificate, Professor Rasheed, congratulated Uzodimma and assured him of the commission’s readiness to assist the State in its academic strides.
Adamu commended the governor for his vision to expand access to university education in Imo State, and by extension the South-eastern region of the country.
Reacting, the governor said: “Today is a very special day for me. We have come here today to receive the recognition letter from NUC for our brand new KO Mbadiwe University.
“This university that is fully owned by owed by Imo State government has also provided us with the opportunity to immortalize one of our foremost philanthropists, KO Mbadiwe of blessed memory.”