By Peter Omopo
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted a provisional licence for the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, making it the second state-owned university in Benue State.
The licence was formally presented on Wednesday by the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, to the state’s Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia at the ceremony in Abuja.
According to Ribadu, the new university, to be located in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, brings the number of state-owned universities in Nigeria to 68, and 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 the overall management of academic programmes,” Ribadu stated.
He expressed optimism that the institution would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s educational advancement, particularly in the fields of agriculture and science.
Ribadu added that once the state government is ready, the NUC will dispatch a team to inspect the facilities and ensure they meet the required standards for academic operations.
