The Federal Government has granted a license for the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BSUAST) in Ihugh, Benue State, marking a significant step toward expanding access to higher education in Nigeria.
The approval was confirmed on Wednesday, May 14, by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, during a presentation ceremony at the NUC headquarters in Abuja. He handed over the operational license to Benue State Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Odeh, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia at the event.
With this development, Nigeria now boasts 68 state-owned universities, while the total number of recognized universities nationwide stands at 299.
Prof. Ribadu hailed the establishment of BSUAST as a “bold and strategic move” that will boost agricultural innovation and provide youth with opportunities for skill development and research-driven growth. “It is not just about expanding the number of institutions, but about building a university that stands out for excellence in agriculture, science, and technology,” he said.
He urged the state government to ensure the new university is staffed with qualified instructors and maintains high standards in technical education, research, and governance. “It must become a beacon of learning and character development,” he added.
Governor Alia, in his remarks delivered by the Deputy Governor, expressed strong commitment to actualizing the vision of the university. He explained that while Benue already hosts the federal-owned Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi, the new state-owned university is designed to respond more directly to local needs.
“For a state with over 7.5 million people and a deep reliance on agriculture, the new university will serve as a tool to revolutionize food production through science and innovation,” Alia stated.
He further stressed that the state’s inability to admit all qualified candidates into existing institutions necessitated the creation of BSUAST. “We still have thousands of students struggling to gain admission. This university will help fill that gap and meet the urgent educational needs of our people.”
The new university is expected to develop academic programs focused on agricultural sciences, engineering, technology, and innovation, with the aim of boosting food security and positioning Benue as a model for agri-tech advancement.
NUC assured the state of continued technical support and guidance as it develops infrastructure, curriculum, and academic frameworks for the institution.
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