Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) traces its beginnings to November 16, 1960, as a vocational high school known as Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Vocational School (TTMVS) enacted by Congress of the Philippines on June 21, 1959, by virtue of Republic Act 2441. From its humble beginning of forty- five (45) students, classes expanded with seven (7) teachers and transferred to the present school campus in 1962.
Almost ten years after the school opened, the administration introduced new breaths underscoring the faculty development program and infrastructure projects. The school opened the first class of the two-year postsecondary course which became the predecessor of the present college department.
On January 1, 1982, the school was converted into a state college known as Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Institute of Science and Technology (TTMIST). It was during this time that the school focused on the development of physical structures and offered Industrial Technology courses with majors in Automotive Technology, Garments Technology, Trade Technology, and Technical Drafting. A Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education (BSIE) program soon followed.
Through the years, significant milestones and great accomplishments have been instituted by the school in various areas. Noteworthy to mention were sending teachers to national and international trainings, study grants and conferences, receiving awards for outstanding performance of the faculty and technological innovations, implementing significant improvements in terms of physical facilities and other infrastructure projects, and building stronger linkages and partnerships with various national and international agencies and institutions. Other notable accomplishments were the opening of the Graduate School program, offering two courses Master of Arts in Industrial Education and Master of Arts in Science Teaching.
In 1993, the school offered more BS degree courses, most importantly in the Arts and Sciences, along with Teacher Education, doctorate degrees, computer- related and information technology courses in response to the demands of the industry for graduates who are competitive in these fields. In line with the school’s objective to provide quality education, degree programs were submitted for AACCUP accreditation and its research, extension, and income generating programs were strengthened. The capability and qualifications of the faculty were also enhanced to match the required manpower for quality education, through trainings and other career development activities in line with the faculty development program.
Along these years, the school continued to grow, expanding its course offerings to include Master in Engineering Major in Engineering Management, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Bachelor of Science in Electronics Communication Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Criminology. These courses were created in support of the government’s pursuit of producing graduates who will build up the country’s manpower resources. Moreover, the school made several improvements, to wit renovation of physical facilities, installation of internet facilities, strengthened linkages with various local, national, and international agencies, and advancement in the area of technology through submitting several technological innovations and projects developed by some faculty members and students.
From then on, the school saw a steady increase in enrolment ranging from 3.0 to 4 percent every year. Significant achievements included high student passing rates in government examinations, particularly the board examinations for Engineering and Education programs; improved faculty profile with not less than 55 percent holders of masters and doctorate degrees; intensification of research and extension programs; and strengthening of income-generating programs and projects. Faculty and staff welfare and development were also given priority.
More courses were offered at this time, including Master in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management, and TESDA short courses. There were also curriculum revisions made, particularly on the ladderization of some programs, and student scholarship grants were notably increased. That being said, one of the most significant achievements attained by the Institute was its elevation from SUC Level I to SUC Level III-A, along four key areas, namely Quality and Relevant Instruction, Research Capability and Output, Relation with and Services to the Community, and Management of Resources. In order to keep pace with the demands of the industry and the world of work, TTMIST also updated its curricular porgrams/courses in Education, Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Management, Business Administration, and others.
On November 18,2009, TTMIST officially acquired its status as a state university now known as Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), integration Samar State College of Agriculture and Forestry (SSCAF) as its external campus. At present,the NwSSU continues to envision itself heading towwards a promising future, To date, its students continue ton enjoy quality education in response to the competitive international standards, especially in the areas of science and technology. In so doing, the University is getting more aggressive at becoming the dynamic center of excellence and development in the Eastern Visayas region.