Located in Nigeria’s southeastern quadrant, Ebonyi State (ES) is bordered by Benue, Enugu, Cross River, and Abia States. Established in 1996, it originated from parts of Abia and Enugu States.
With its capital in Abakaliki, Ebonyi is distinguished by the Abonyi River that traverses its southern areas. The state boasts a population of approximately 2.87 million as of 2016, ranking 29th in population and 33rd in size among Nigeria’s 36 states. It features diverse landscapes including the Cross-Niger transition forests and the Guinean forest-savanna mosaic.
Educational Landscape in Ebonyi State
ES, as of November 2023, is known for hosting four distinguished universities, enriching its academic landscape:
- Federal University of Technology Ogoja (FUTO);
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike-Ikwo (AE-FUNAI);
- Ebonyi State University (EBSU);
- King David University of Medical Sciences (KDUMS).
These institutions encompass federal, state, and private universities, each offering a variety of courses and programs accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). For more detailed information, you can refer to the lists of federal and state universities in Nigeria and the courses they offer.
Spotlight on Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike
Situated in Ndufu Alike Ikwo, the Alex Ekwueme Federal University was inaugurated in 2011 and subsequently dedicated to Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the former Vice President of Nigeria. This expansive educational institution covers 438 hectares and is a learning hub for approximately 10,000 students, supported by a staff of 2,230.
Upholding stringent academic criteria, the university has set its entry thresholds at 240 and 250 for its Law and Medicine faculties, respectively, whereas other departments maintain a baseline requirement of 150. Enrollment fees range from N10,000 to N30,000, but for more specialized fields such as Medicine and Law, the fees ascend to about N51,000.
State Universities: Pillars of Learning in Ebonyi
ES boasts two state-run universities: Ebonyi State University in Abakaliki and King David Umahi University of Medical Sciences in Uburu. Ebonyi State University, established in 1999, initially began as a Faculty of Health Sciences under ESUT in 1991. It has developed significantly since then, especially with the Abakaliki Specialist Hospital serving as its primary teaching hospital. Tuition fees range from N100,000 to N150,000, and the institution has set a JAMB cut-off mark of 180 for the 2022-2023 academic year.
King David University of Medical Sciences: A Beacon of Health Education in Uburu
In the heart of Uburu, within the Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, lies the prestigious King David University of Medical Sciences (KDUMS). This state-owned gem focuses on molding future healthcare professionals. The Nigerian National Universities Commission (NUC) has endorsed KDUMS, recognizing its high academic standards.
Recently, the federal government, under President Buhari’s leadership, has integrated KDUMS into its system, enhancing its resources and capabilities. The University’s inception was motivated by the urgent need to uplift the quality of healthcare education in Nigeria and West Africa. KDUMS is dedicated to nurturing students in health sciences with an emphasis on excellence, professional ethics, and skills.
Ebonyi State’s Sole Private University: Evangel University, Akaeze
Ebonyi State is also home to Evangel University, Akaeze (EUA), the only private university in the region. It stands as a Christian academic institution, established by the Assemblies of God denomination. Since its inception in February 2012, EUA has been a symbol of quality and affordability in private education. It began its journey in Okpoto with two colleges and a school and eventually found its permanent base in Akaeze.
In 2016, EUA achieved full accreditation from the NUC, solidifying its status as one of Nigeria’s most accessible private universities in terms of fees.
Academic Opportunities and Standards at Evangel University, Akaeze
EUA has set its JAMB cut-off mark at 160 for the 2022–2023 academic year, with Nursing Science requiring a minimum score of 180. The University is actively accepting applications for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle.
In terms of academic prestige, EUA ranks highly, being recognized as the 110th best regional university in the Midwest. Its education quality is measured against various national standards.
The annual tuition at EUA is N250,000 (approximately $21,000), payable in two installments: N135,000 ($100,000) for the first semester and N115,000 ($110,000) for the second.
Conclusion
The educational institutions in ES symbolize the region’s commitment to fostering scholarly growth and diversification. These universities, each with their unique offerings, significantly contribute to the educational fabric of southeastern Nigeria and the country at large.