Ebonyi ready to rescue youths from drugs, hopelessness

…As ICT varsity takes-off

By Amarachi Ehia, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru Friday said the state’s new ICT University has fully commenced academic activities with more than 200 students already admitted and in class, signaling a decisive move to empower young people and pull them away from crime, idleness and drug abuse.

Nwifuru revealed that the institution, approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to eventually admit up to 1,000 students, was directed to begin with a phased intake of 200 to 300 learners to ensure smooth takeoff a target the state has already met.

“The ICT University is alive. Students are in school and academic work is ongoing. We have admitted over 200 already, and admission is still open. Our youths should not relax they must struggle to be part of this opportunity,” the governor stated.

Nwifuru said the school’s launch was a deliberate strategy to cut off the pipeline that feeds drug abuse among young people, especially those in deprived rural communities.

He expressed concern over rising drug use among teenagers but insisted that accessible education was the strongest antidote to the growing menace.

“Drug abuse is eating deep into our children, even from secondary school. The best response is education. Once they are exposed, they learn what is right and wrong. Ignorance and lack of opportunity are the biggest fuels for addiction.”

Responding to questions on the recent rescue of abducted girls in the state, the governor confirmed that all victims had been safely reunited with their families.

“The girls are home with their parents. We will not commercialise their trauma on social media. They deserve dignity, not spectacle.”

Nwifuru also announced that the state will move aggressively against drug suppliers, criminal groups and youth gangs once Ebonyi’s Industrial and Skills Centre becomes operational.

“I did not say January. What I said is that once our own Industrial Centre is ready — and it will be very soon — the public will hear from us,” he clarified.

The centre is expected to deliver vocational and enterprise training, helping youths acquire employable skills while supporting a broader clampdown on those exploiting them.

With the ICT University operational, a skills hub nearing completion, and a coordinated drug response underway, Governor Nwifuru signaled a clear direction for his administration: “Ebonyi youth will not be abandoned to drugs, crime or ignorance. We are preparing them for a future they can be proud of.”