The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, on Wednesday 14th May, 2025, granted approval to the new Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BUSAST), to be located in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area.
This was sequel to the State Government’s presentation of the three statutory documents contigent to such approval including the Academic Brief, Physical Master Plan and University Law.
Presenting the recognition letter to the State Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Samuel Ode, the Executive Secretary noted that with the approval, BUSAST becomes the second state-owned university in Benue, joining the ranks of 67 other state universities in Nigeria, bringing the total number of universities in the country to 299.
Professor Ribadu expressed optimism that the university will contribute significantly to the nation’s agricultural development.
According to him, there is no doubt that the university will play a vital role in shaping the future of education, especially agriculture, and the development of this country.
He called on the institution to adhere strictly to guidelines set by the NUC for quality assurance, academic excellence, and character development.
He further assured that once the university is ready, the NUC as statutorily required, will conduct an evaluation of the facilities, infrastructure, and human resources in place to ensure that the institution is on track to fulfil its mandate.
Responding, the Deputy Governor, who spoke on behalf of Rev Fr. Alia, hailed the development as a historic moment for the state’s pursuit of academic excellence.
He 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.
While acknowledging that agriculture is the biggest industry in the state popularly known as Food Basket of the nation, the Governor stated that the new university was aimed at responding to the modern day agricultural and education needs of the state using science and technology.
He further expressed deep gratitude to the NUC for the recognition and pledged that the state would provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to ensure the success of the new university.
In his words: “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 will put in place the necessary amenities and platforms to ensure that this university reaches its full potential.”At the meeeting were: the NUC Acting Directors of: Academic Planning (DAP), Mal. Abubakar Girei; Finance and Accounts (DFA) Mrs. Hauwa Amos, (DPA) Mrs Franca Chukwuonwo, Executive Secretary’s Office (DESO), Mr. Jubril Momoh; Representative of Directorate of Skills Development & Entrepreneurship Education (DSDE), Dr. Victoria Akuma; Head, Special Duties, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Tanko and Chief Information Officer in the Directorate of Public Affairs, Mr. Ogbonnaya Okoronkwo; While from the Secretariat were Mrs. Onwusiri Oluchi, Mr. Gabriel Ogba and Mrs. Victoria Ikhani.