Benue State University (BSU) is set to establish a new Faculty of Agriculture, Vice Chancellor Prof. Tor Iorpuu announced during the university’s celebration of the 10th anniversary of its Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER). The new faculty aims to promote climate-smart agriculture and support the development of the agricultural sector in Benue State and the broader African region.
Speaking at the event held in Makurdi on Thursday, Prof. Iorpuu confirmed that the university had already completed plans to introduce the Faculty of Agriculture, with the full backing of the state government. He stated that Governor Hyacinth Alia had given a directive for the faculty to be launched soon, in line with his administration’s vision to expand the university and foster innovative academic programs.
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the pivotal role of CEFTER, which was established a decade ago to focus on postgraduate education aimed at addressing post-harvest losses and promoting food security in West and Central Africa. CEFTER’s activities align with the broader strategic goals of Governor Alia’s vision to enhance the university’s contributions to research and development.
A Decade of Excellence in Food Technology
In his presentation titled “CEFTER: A Decade of Advancing Post Graduate Education Excellence in Africa,” Prof. Iorpuu reaffirmed the university’s commitment to maintaining high standards of research, innovation, and education. He emphasized that CEFTER had become a global hub for training students, particularly in food technology and agricultural sustainability. Currently, more than 30 foreign students from 10 West and Central African countries are enrolled in postgraduate programs at BSU.
Prof. Iorpuu expressed gratitude to the World Bank, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Association of African Universities (AAU) for their continued support in the execution of projects like ACE1 and ACE-IMPACT, which have contributed significantly to CEFTER’s success. He also acknowledged the role of international partners such as AFD France in bolstering the center’s capacity for technological development.
Looking Ahead: Indigenous Foods and Climate-Smart Agriculture
At the anniversary event, former BSU Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Akase Sorkaa, praised CEFTER for its commitment to high-quality education and practical training in food technology. He expressed confidence that CEFTER would continue to promote indigenous foods and climate-resilient agriculture, addressing food security challenges not just in Benue, but across the African continent.
Prof. Barnabas Ikyo, Director of CEFTER, reflected on the center’s achievements over the past decade, noting that 718 students have been admitted, with 182 graduates to date. He emphasized that CEFTER has also made a significant impact beyond the university, taking initiatives to educate local communities, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and refugee camps in Cameroon, about basic food hygiene and sustainable food practices.
Challenges and Future Sustainability
Prof. Ode Ojowu, former Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, raised concerns about Nigeria’s reliance on international financial aid, such as support from the World Bank, to address economic challenges. He called on both state and federal governments to take greater responsibility in sustaining CEFTER and similar initiatives once the international funding support is phased out by 2025.
In his remarks, the Och’Idoma, HRM Chief John Elaigwu Odogbo, represented by Chief Chris Ijale, urged both the state and federal governments to take action to tackle the nation’s growing food security challenges. He commended BSU’s efforts through CEFTER and encouraged the university to continue its groundbreaking work in food technology and agriculture.
A Commitment to Innovation and Development
As BSU celebrates the success of CEFTER’s first decade, the announcement of the new Faculty of Agriculture signals the university’s ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainable development in agriculture. With increasing focus on climate-resilient farming and food security, BSU is poised to continue playing a key role in addressing critical challenges in the African agricultural sector.
