The Federal Government has approved the take-off of a new specialised university in Benue State.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) officially recognised the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, located in Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area.
This makes it the 68th state-owned university and brings the total number of universities in Nigeria to 299.
The letter confirming the approval was presented in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu.
He handed it to the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ode, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia at the event.
The approval followed the presentation of key documents such as the university’s academic plan, physical layout, and legal framework.
The commission welcomed the state government’s effort to grow access to higher education.
The new university is expected to serve as a major step in training young people and developing skilled professionals in agriculture, science, and technology.
According to the NUC, the school is seen as a step toward preparing a workforce that can help move Benue forward through knowledge and innovation.
Authorities from Benue assured that all necessary infrastructure would be provided to ensure smooth academic operations.
The state government also explained that this university is being created to meet the growing educational needs of its population, especially in agriculture, which remains a key area of economic focus for the state.
Benue currently has another university focused on agriculture, now called the Joseph Tarka University of Agriculture, but it is federally owned.
The state has little control over its academic structure.
To solve this, and because many students still struggle to gain admission into existing institutions, the state decided to create its own university that can offer targeted programmes tied to local needs.
The government said that combining agriculture with science and technology through this new university will help solve food production challenges.
It also hopes the institution will ease pressure on existing schools like Benue State University, which is already managing a large number of courses and students.
The state pledged to work closely with the NUC to meet quality standards and manage the university effectively.
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