By Brenda Chidinma
Ebonyi ICT University of Oferekpe Agbaja has officially launched innovative programmes aimed at equipping students with cutting-edge skills in ethical hacking, fintech, blockchain, and other emerging technologies.
Speaking on the university’s progress, Engr. Prof. Ernest Ituma Egba, Vice Chancellor, said the institution, established by law in December 2021, has steadily developed since its inception. “By January 2025, we received our operational license from the National Universities Commission (NUC), and by mid-2025, we were approved to run 20 academic programmes,” he explained.
Prof. Egba revealed that the university has admitted 208 students, with 169 already enrolled under the National Education Fund (NEF Fund), ensuring that tuition is not a barrier for students. He emphasized that the institution aims to provide practical, industry-ready skills rather than engage in “backyard admissions.”
“Our programmes target the tech, fintech, blockchain, and ethical hacking sectors,” he said. “Students are trained to understand and practice ethical hacking, financial analysis, forex trading, cryptocurrency, Web 3.0 technology, and more, preparing them for the global digital economy.”
Prof. Egba further said that by mid-2026, the university would relocate to its permanent campus, equipped to host more students and expanded facilities, positioning Ebonyi State as a hub for technology and innovation in Nigeria and West Africa.
The university is also home to a variety of innovative student projects, ranging from a sanitary pad incinerator and peanut coating machine to CNC plasma cutters, mini sports cars powered by motorcycle engines, and soon, an ultralight airplane.
Engr. Kelechi Nwachukwu Ibe, an engineering expert at the university, highlighted plans for a public innovation exhibition to showcase 22 homegrown technologies developed by students from all states. These projects reflect the institution’s commitment to practical, high-impact technology solutions that aim to transform Nigeria’s innovation landscape.