Yes, absolutely. As I've said a number of times, the presence of a university is a major factor in developing a diverse range of talents that can contemplate pursuing post-secondary studies, then having careers and carrying on their profession in the place where they studied.
Universities are also the place where industries, socioeconomic environments, researchers and students come together. The presence of a university in a place is thus a driver of research, innovation and culture that revitalizes an entire region and makes it grow. I think that having many of these centres of excellence is vital to ensuring that an entire country thrives.