Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has stated that his administration established the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, in Vandeikya Local Government Area to address the increasing demand for higher education in the state.
He made these remarks on Thursday in Makurdi while addressing the people of Benue on the occasion of his second anniversary in office.
According to Governor Alia, the creation of the new university aims to produce specialised graduates who will contribute to boosting the state’s economy.
He emphasised the importance of engaging youths in agricultural activities to ensure food security, noting that the establishment of the university is a key step towards achieving this goal.
The governor affirmed that education remains central to his development agenda. He highlighted that over 9,000 qualified teachers have been recruited to strengthen the primary education sector.
“For the first time in Benue State’s history, we have recruited over 9,000 qualified teachers through a transparent Computer-Based Testing (CBT) process.
“We have also approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 for public school teachers and all state civil servants, reflecting our appreciation for their vital role in public service.
“Infrastructural development in our schools includes the construction of numerous classrooms, libraries, sanitation facilities, and perimeter fences.
“Additionally, computer-based learning has been introduced in model schools such as the UBEC Smart School in Makurdi, with plans to extend this to many others,” he said.
Governor Alia further noted that his administration has constructed and renovated over 253 school buildings, including modern multi-storey structures.
He added that more than 13,347 units of classroom furniture, including facilities for Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE), have been supplied.
In partnership with the Federal Government, Benue has also established a state-of-the-art fashion hub and ICT training centre in Makurdi.
This initiative is intended to harness the creativity of young people, promote entrepreneurship in the ICT and fashion industries, and position Benue as a leading centre for ICT and textile innovation and production in Nigeria.
On security, Governor Alia reiterated that it remains a top priority for his administration. He acknowledged inheriting a fragile security situation in 2023.
“The establishment of Operation Anyam Nyôr, a security outfit supported by legislation, has empowered law enforcement agencies to confront insecurity decisively.
“We have distributed Hilux vans, security vehicles, and motorcycles to various security agencies and quasi-security outfits to enhance their crime-fighting capabilities.
“Rest assured, we are actively pursuing terrorists, armed herders, and bandits terrorising parts of our state. Very soon, we will dismantle these groups and all other criminal syndicates,” he said.
