The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted Benue State a provisional licence to establish a new state-owned university.
The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, presented the licence on Wednesday to the state’s Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia at the event.
According to Prof. Ribadu, the new institution; Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, will be located in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area.
This makes it the second state-owned university in Benue State.
He noted that with this addition, the number of state-owned universities in Nigeria now stands at 68, bringing the total number of universities in the country to 299.
“We expect that it will adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth for quality assurance, character development, and overall management of academic programmes,” Ribadu stated.
“I have no doubt that this university will play a vital role in shaping the future of education—especially in agriculture, and the development of this country.
“Going forward, whenever you are ready, we will send a team to assess the facilities on the ground, including infrastructure, human capital, and other resources,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by Deputy Governor Samuel Ode, described the development as a watershed moment in the state’s pursuit of academic excellence.
“For those who know the people of Benue and our quest for education, you will understand the joy with which we receive this recognition from the Commission,” Alia said.
“We are indeed very grateful and want to assure the Executive Secretary of the NUC that Benue State will pursue the mandate of its university with all the zeal required.
“We shall, in no time, put in place the necessary amenities and platforms that will enable us to drive the agenda and help this university reach its full potential,” he concluded.
— NAN