CIT-U is the first higher educational institution (HEI) in the Visayas and Mindanao classified as Category A (t).
[3] The school was founded in 1946 by then-Cebu City mayor Nicolas Escario,[4] along with United States-trained engineers Fidel C. Dagani, Amancio A. Alcordo, and Jose A.
[citation needed] Founded shortly after World War II, the school had the stated aim of helping the country rebuild by focusing on industries that were most needed at the time, which included architecture, civil engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, among others.
[6] The Cebu Institute of Technology formally opened in 1946, starting with 512 pioneering students enrolled in high school and college levels.
[7] Rodolfo Lizares, who served as CIT Vice-president, took over as president after the death of Nicolas Escario in 1958.
[citation needed] In 1965, a site along N. Bacalso Avenue was acquired, on which a modern four-storey building was built, initially occupied by the college graduating students in 1971.
Gradually, the remaining colleges at the school's campus along C. Padilla Street were transferred to the new site.
Towards the end of 1978, the school ventured into engaging in a multi-million-development plan with the Educational Project Implementing Task Force (EDPITAF) of the government.
The following year, the school's Information Technology program was awarded with the Center of Excellence certificate, solidifying its status as one of Central Visayas' topnotch institutions.
[8] In 2017, following the passing of Gregorio L. Escario, Bernard Nicolas E. Villamor took oath as the school's fourth president.
The campus hosts all of CIT-U's academic offerings, from nursery school to graduate studies.
At the school's founding in 1946, it occupied two pre-fabricated structures along F. Ramos Street, Cebu City.
In the middle of the Don Rodolfo T. Lizares, Sr. Building is the Quadrangle, where many of the school's events are held.
In 2018, it was renamed as the Don Simplicio A. Lizares Building, to honor the school's first Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
It was named after the university's third president Gregorio L. Escario, and is commonly abbreviated as the GLE Building by students.
Constructed in 2004, this air-conditioned gymnasium is located behind the Don Simplicio A. Lizares Building and is where events and ceremonies are held.
The Colors’ Day, held annually every August 26, celebrates the birth anniversary of the late President Rodolfo T. Lizares Sr.
Appropriate ceremonies and activities participated in by the students, faculty, and members of the administration bring about a festive spirit of music, drama, dances, and intramurals, highlighted by the symbolic raising of the department colors.
Educational exhibits, lecture series, cultural presentations, fellowships, and athletic games culminate college and departmental achievements for the school year.