Chidimma Uchegbu
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has issued a provisional licence for the establishment of the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BUSAST), marking it as the 68th university owned by a state government in Nigeria.
Located in Ihugh, within the Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, BUSAST becomes the second public university run by the state.
The licence was officially presented in Abuja on Wednesday by the NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Samuel Ode.
According to Ribadu, the addition of BUSAST increases 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. I have no doubt that this university will play a vital role in shaping the future of education and especially agriculture in the development of this country. You have your university.
“Going forward, whenever you are ready, we will write a commission to send a team to look at the facilities for what is called social education. We will look at the communities, facilities, infrastructure, human capital, staff, and resources you have. Commence the programme.
“There are specific programmes that you indicated you want to start. You do not have to start all of them at once if you wish, but let us know which programmes you want to begin with,” the NUC boss said.
Governor Alia, through his deputy, described the development as a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward educational advancement.
“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 has been accorded by the National Universities Commission.
“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.”
