The right to education is one of the key principles underpinning the Education 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. There is consensus that low levels of education and acquisition can hinder economic prosperity, which in turn, will aggravate poverty and social vices, especially among youths. Imo State is one of the 36 States of Nigeria. Imo State, and indeed the entire South Eastern States indigenes are generally referred to as “education hungry”. Unfortunately, the available admission spaces in the few higher institutions in the area have not met the needs of teeming youths in their quest for University education.

The current administration of the government of Imo State sees access to education as a critical success factor and has focused on improving the level of access. The establishment of the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Imo State is therefore in line with a strong vision for a prosperous future for the upcoming generation and youths..

The University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences is a public University established by the Act of Imo State Parliament Law No. 4 of 2019 (Amended Law No. 7 of 2020). The take-off campus is located on the site of the current Imo Polytechnic, Umuagwo, a town in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State and 26km from Owerri on the Port-Harcourt Road. The campus is well established with significant infrastructural development.

The mission of the University is to become a Leader in the discovery, dissemination and application of new knowledge in areas of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences for the development of self and of society. The central philosophy is to become a captain in academic, research, innovation and technology transfer in Nigeria and globally, particularly in areas of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, for the production of skilled and morally sound graduates of distinction and exemplary character. The University is committed to remain at the cutting edge of Knowledge, Innovation and Excellence for human wellbeing.

On the 18th of April 2019, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved UAES as the 49th State and 171st University in the Nigerian University system and the second public university established and fully owned by Imo State Government. The thirty-one (31) undergraduate programmes approved to run on the full time mode with effect from the 2020/2021 academic session under five schools/faculties can be accessed on the university website

I will therefore urge everyone to partner with us and support this young University towards the realization of its mission and vision, to build a brighter and more secured future for the coming generation. Prospective candidates are welcome and can apply for admission with effect from the 2020/2021 Academic Session.


Professor Patrick Ekezie EGBULE,
Vice Chancellor,
University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo.