The Benue State Government has obtained a provisional license to establish a new state university from the National Universities Commission.
Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission officially presented the license to Samuel Ode, the deputy governor of the state Governor Hyacinth Alia at the event.
Ribadu said the institution, Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, located at Ihugh in Vandeikaya Local Government Area, Benue State, has become the second Benue state-owned university.
He explained that the new university which is a new addition to the university system brought the number of state-owned universities in the country to 68 and the total universities in Nigeria 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.
“I have no doubt that this university will play a vital role in shaping the future of education, especially agriculture, and the development of this country.
“Going forward, whenever you are ready, we will write the commission to send a team to look at the facilities on the ground.
“We will look at the communities, facilities, infrastructure, human capital, staff members and resources you have,’’ he said.
The governor, for his part, said the development signifies an important event 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 that the Commission has accorded.
“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 to reach its full potential,’’ he said.
