JUST IN: Benue state secures NUC license to establish new university

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted Benue State a provisional license to establish a new university.

The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, presented the license to Deputy Governor Samuel Ode, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia at the official ceremony.

The newly approved institution, named the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (BUSAST), will be located in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area.

BUSAST is 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.

Prof. Ribadu expressed optimism that the university will contribute significantly to the nation’s agricultural development.

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 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.

Governor Alia, in a statement read on his behalf, hailed the development as a historic moment for the state’s pursuit of academic excellence.

He 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.

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.”