By Akaha Sule, Makurdi
The Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan has announced receipt of provisional license from National Universities’ Commission (NUC) for another state university named: Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, (BSUAST) Ihugh.
The Commissioner made the disclosure on Thursday, 15th May, 2025 in his office in Makurdi while briefing the North Central team of the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) of the National Economic Council led by the Director General, Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, Prof. Jerome Andôhôr.
Rev. Ikyaan said that Governor Alia led-administration’s greatest concern is Agriculture, Science and Technology driven education which is why there is so much emphasis on technical education in the state leading to the establishment of faculty of Engineering of Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM) at Adikpo and the establishment of BSUAST.
Commissioner Ikyaan announced plans by the state government to establish 11 technical schools in each of the federal constituencies of the state while the one currently running within the MOAUM (former Benue State University, Makurdi) is to be relocated to give it more visibility.
He maintained that 15 SMART schools are also to be established, 5 each for the three senatorial zones of the state adding that the basic materials for the schools are to be provided by Huawei Technologies in addition to establishment of Huawei Institute in MOAUM noting that plans are on the way for production of Mobile phones (handsets) in the state.
He informed that the state Government provided scholarship for Benue indigenes through free registration of WAEC, NECO and NABTEB examinations in the 2023/24 academic session for all government established schools which has increased school enrollment in current session.
He listed other strides of the ministry to include training of teachers in digital skills, conduct of comprehensive schools census for accurate data and introduction of insurance policy for primary and secondary school learners, building of safe school rapid response centre in collaboration with Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC).
Leader of the Implementation Monitoring Committee (IMC) from the National Economic Council (NEC), Professor Andôhôr had informed the Commissioner that the visit was for a 2-Day Field Monitoring on the implementation of resolutions of NEC and Joint Planning Board (JPB) and National Council Development Planning (NCDP) Resolutions.
The team appreciated the Commissioner and management for the giant steps they have taken, expressing the hope that all that he has stated will come into reality and affect the lives of Benue people positively and particularly commended the aspect of technical education which is at the heart of Federal ministry of Education.
Akaha Sule is the Media Aide to the Honorable Commissioner
