The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Thursday attended the maiden matriculation ceremony of the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, UAST, Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, where 664 pioneer students were formally admitted into the institution.
Governor Alia described the university as a strategic investment in knowledge, innovation, research and human capital development.
He emphasized that the institution was conceived not as a political convenience but as a deliberate intervention to build a globally competitive centre of learning capable of transforming agriculture, science, technology and economic development in Benue State.
He noted that the future belongs to young people who can turn ideas into opportunities, and stressed that the university was established to equip students with modern technical skills, innovation-driven knowledge and practical competencies to sustain Benue’s position as the Food Basket of the Nation.
Addressing the matriculating students, the Governor charged them to see themselves as the foundation and living culture of the institution by upholding discipline, excellence, integrity and purposeful learning.
He said education must transcend personal ambition and contribute meaningfully to societal advancement and national development.
He also tasked academic staff and the university leadership to maintain market-responsive and industry-driven standards anchored on meritocracy, transparency, accountability and ethical stewardship. He emphasized that quality assurance, institutional integrity, academic freedom and excellence must remain non-negotiable.
Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the university attains full operational status through the provision of necessary support, statutory approvals and policy frameworks for sustainable growth and institutional stability.
He also revealed plans to introduce scholarship opportunities to expand access to education for indigent students across the state.
Appreciating the host community for donating land for the establishment of the institution, the Governor assured that the university would evolve into a centre of excellence where academic scholarship, innovation, research and practical development converge to drive sustainable progress.
Chief Solomon Iorpev
Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication
