Benue State Governor, Rev. Dr Hyacinth Alia has said the Benue State Government, BNSG will establish two annex campuses of the Benue State University, Makurdi in the North East and South Senatorial Districts of the state to foster education as the need for access to tertiary education continues to grow within the state.
The governor made the promise at the 22nd, 23rd and 24th Benue State University’s combined convocation ceremony held on Saturday at the convocation square of the institution in Makurdi.
The Governor, who is the Visitor to the university, disclosed that due to the growing demand for access to tertiary education, he will work towards the establishment of two annex campuses of Benue State University, BSU, to be sited at Adikpo in Kwande Local Government area while the other would be located at the South Senatorial District.
He gave scholarships to the 44 first-class graduates to enroll for their masters degree at BSU and commended the University Management for the maintenance culture and strides at the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), saying he will ensure the sustainability of the institution’s Partnership with the World Bank and ensure that the Mouribond Wanune Juice factory and Taraku Mills would be completed for use to create more job opportunities for the increasing population of youths in the state.
Governor Alia acknowledged the contributions and commitment of the university in the areas of research and excellence, pointing out that the challenges being faced in infrastructure, among others, would be looked into by his administration, beginning with the donation of five hundred computers.
“I wish to reaffirm my administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state; we will continue to support Benue State University in its quest for excellence, and we shall prioritise funding, improve infrastructure, and foster partnerships with national and international organisations. We shall create an environment that promotes research, innovation, entrepreneurship among our students”
Vice Chancellor, Professor Tor Iorapuu appreciated the Benue State Government for establishing the university and TEFUND for its infrastructural support to the institution. He also appreciated the management, staff and students of the university for their commitment and dedication to quality education and excellence.
The Voice in an interview with a PhD graduate from Business Management Department, Emmanual Onah and Ene Odagboyi, who graduated with a B.Sc in Management Sciences, thanked God for seeing them through their years of study while commending the university for imparting in them sound knowledge.
The high point of the event was the commissioning of state-of-the-art facilities and handing over of medical facilities to the Chief Medical Director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Stephen Terungwa Hwande at CEFTER-BSU and the award of Honorary Doctorate Degrees to six illustrious sons of the state for their role and impact in the development of the University and the state at large.
