The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has inaugurated a Task Force for the smooth take-off of the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (UAST), Ihugh.
Addressing members of the Task Force during the inauguration ceremony held at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi, on Wednesday, Governor Alia who said the establishment of the university represents his administration’s commitment to empowering the younger generation through quality education, research, technology, and entrepreneurship, also disclosed that institution is aimed driving education, innovation, agricultural transformation, and economic development in the state.
Governor Alia stated that UAST is not intended to be just another tertiary institution but a solution-driven centre of excellence designed to produce graduates equipped with practical skills, innovative ideas, and entrepreneurial capacity to become creators of jobs rather than seekers of employment.
“As the Food Basket of the Nation, Benue must continue to invest in modern agricultural practices, scientific research, technological advancement, and value addition to sustain and strengthen its position”, the Governor stated even as he expressed confidence that the university would emerge as a leading hub for agricultural innovation, food security, and economic prosperity.
The Governor stressed that the successful establishment of any institution depends on a solid foundation, thus the constitution of the Task Force made up of experienced and competent individuals entrusted with providing the strategic direction required for the university’s effective take-off.
He therefore charged members of the Task Force to be dedicated, professional, patriotic in the discharge of their responsibilities as according to him, the structures and decisions they put in place would shape the future of the institution for generations.
Governor Alia further assured Benue people of his administration’s unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for the youth as well as building enduring institutions that will contribute to inclusive growth and development.
Describing the establishment of UAST as a fulfilled promise and a bold statement of the future his administration envisions, Governor Alia said the university is expected to become a reference point for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, entrepreneurship, and solution-oriented learning in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
Responding on behalf of other members of the Task Force, the Chairman, Professor Leonard Kashima Shirgba, expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for the confidence reposed in the team and pledged the members’ total commitment to delivering on the vision behind the establishment of the university.
Professor Shirgba stated that the Task Force shares the conviction that sustainable economic growth can only be achieved through a well-prepared and highly skilled workforce, adding that the vision of UAST as enshrined in the law establishing the institution in December 2024 would be preserved and faithfully implemented.
He noted that the university was deliberately conceived with unique and innovative academic programmes already approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), aimed at producing graduates with the capacity to create employment, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to societal advancement.
The Task Force Chairman commended Governor Alia for assembling a team that reflects diversity beyond local and regional boundaries, noting that a university is a global institution that must attract and harness talent wherever it is found.
Professor Shirgba assured the Governor that the Task Force would work closely with the university management, staff, and students to lay a solid foundation that would guarantee the realization of the vision behind the university’s establishment.
