The Vice Chancellor National Open University of Nigeria NOUN, Prof Olufemi Peters have called for more partnership and collaboration that will be essential in addressing Post Harvest losses as well as food security in the country.
Prof Peters made the call at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Centre for Food Technology and Research, CEFTER which took place from the 6th to 8th of November, 2024, at the CEFTER Postgraduate Complex, New GRA Makurdi.
In his keynote address titled,” The Impact of African Centres of Excellence (ACE) Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Post Harvest Management, a case of CEFTER”, the VC stressed the impact of CEFTER which includes capacity building, technology and innovation, research and development, entrepreneurship development among others.
He enjoined the Benue State Government to invest in the necessary infrastructure and support CEFTER’s research facilities and technologcal advancements by providing state of the art laboratories,energy supply, and certain technologcal equipment that can enable institutions like CEFTER conduct high quality research.
According to him, CEFTER will leverage emerging technologies and fostering collaboration that will be essential for addressing the complex challenges faced in Post Harvest Management.
He said by creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages innovation, Entrepreneurship and sustainable practices, ACE can significantly contribute to food security, economic development and resilience in African agricultural systems.
In his remarks Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia,represented by the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Rev Dr Fredrick Ikyaan congratulated the Centre and the university for the sustained excellence, resilience and commitment in addressing food security challenges.
The governor acknowledged their impact in community outreach which has helped maximise agricultural productivity adding that their continued success will depend on partnerships within Nigeria and beyond.
“Your efforts have helped alleviate hunger, drive economic development and empower small holder farmers who are the backbone of our economy”, he said.
Delivering his speech, the Vice Chancellor Benue State University Makurdi prof Tor Iorapuu expressed pride and excitement over the achievements of CEFTER in the last ten years as he enjoined all participants at the event to participate fully in the programme.
The VC acknowledged two former Vice Chancellors of the university, Prof Charity Angya and Prof Msugh Kembe for their efforts towards the establishment and growth of the centre.
He noted that,”The (African Centre of Excellence) ACE 1 and ACE IMPACT projects have contributed immensely to infrastructural and human development at CEFTER and the university at large”.
According to him, the ACE IMPACT granted the university the opportunity to build and equip the CEFTER Food Technology Innovation Complex (CEFTIC) which he explained is housing 6 mini-factories,with the capacity to produce high quality cassava flour, tomato paste and fabrication of food processing equipment.
“As we celebrate CEFTER at 10, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence in higher education, research and innovation. We congratulate the teams that made all these possible,our students,stakeholders on this milestone. Together let us continue to propel BSU to greater heights”,he said.
In her welcome address the Chairman Central Planning Committee, Prof. Charity Angya commended the VC Benue State University and his team for creating an enabling environment which has contributed to the success of the centre.
“Our work has impacted lives,trained generations of professionals and significantly contributed to the fight against food loss and this has positioned Benue State University at the forefront of Post harvest research”,she maintained.
Earlier the Centre Director/Leader, Prof Barnabas Ikyo in his presentation of “The Journey so far of CEFTER”, enumerated achievements of the centre since its inception in 2014, saying the centre has both national and international accreditation, with student from over 11 countries,Innovations such as CEFTER e_commerce,extension service,fresh food bags,fish hatchery, food products such as wine,community service such as visiting IDP camps ,training of communities and infrastructural development among others.
