Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has unveiled plans to institutionalise the state’s flagship digital empowerment scheme, the SkillUp Imo Initiative, as part of efforts to strengthen youth development and drive the state’s digital economy.
The governor made the announcement after receiving formal approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to establish the University of Innovation, Science and Technology in Omuma, Imo State.
Uzodimma described the new university as a “strategic step” towards sustaining the achievements of the SkillUp Imo Initiative, which has so far trained more than 50,000 young people in various digital and technical skills.
He said the institution would focus on producing graduates who are innovative, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital economy.
“The outstanding success of the SkillUp Imo Initiative inspired us to take steps to institutionalise this transformative programme,” the governor said in a statement posted on his official Facebook page. “This university will ensure that our young people are not just job seekers but creators of opportunities in the digital age.”
Governor Uzodimma acknowledged that maintaining a fourth state-owned university could be financially demanding but described the move as a “visionary investment” that would yield long-term benefits through human capital development and economic growth.
He added that the new university would serve as a centre for innovation and technology-based learning, reinforcing Imo State’s growing reputation as a hub for digital transformation and youth empowerment in Nigeria.