The National Universities Commission has granted a provisional licence to Benue State to establish a new state university.

The Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, presented the licence to the state’s Deputy Governor, Samuel Ode, who represented Governor Hyacinth Alia at the occasion.

Mr Ribadu said the institution, Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, located at Ihugh in the Vandeikaya Local Government Area, Benue State, has become the second Benue State-owned university.

He said that the new addition brought the number of state-owned universities in the country to 68 and the total universities in Nigeria to 299.

He stated, “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. Going forward, whenever you are ready, we will write the commission to send a team to look at the facilities on ground. We will look at the communities, facilities, infrastructure, human capital, staff members and resources you have.’’

On his part, the governor said the development marked a watershed moment in the state’s pursuit of academic excellence.

He stated, “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 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 to reach its full potential.”

(NAN)