The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted Benue State Government a provisional licence to establish a new state university.
The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, presented the licence to Benue State Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode, who represented the Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Wednesday.
Benue State Assembly passed a bill last year to establish Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, Vandeikaya Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State. The governor assented to the bill, making it the second state-owned university in Benue.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Prof. Ribadu as saying that the new addition brought the number of state-owned universities to 68 and the total number of 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, on his part, said the development marked 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 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.
