Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved the creation of a Faculty of Agriculture at Benue State University (BSU), aimed at enhancing the university’s existing Centre for Food Technology and Research (BSU-CEFTER), which was established a decade ago.
The announcement was made on Friday in Makurdi by the Vice Chancellor of BSU, Prof. Joe Iorapuu, during the 10th anniversary celebration of BSU-CEFTER. The Centre, funded by the World Bank, was set up to address post-harvest challenges and offer postgraduate education in food technology.
Prof. Iorapuu explained that the new Faculty of Agriculture would support the ongoing innovations at BSU-CEFTER, which currently operates six mini factories capable of producing cassava flour products, tomato paste, and food processing equipment. The faculty, he said, will also expand opportunities for undergraduate admissions and serve as a hub for entrepreneurship and skills development.
The establishment of the faculty, according to Prof. Iorapuu, will allow students to gain a deeper understanding of food production, crop seasonality, and the logistics of harvesting and transportation. This, he added, would equip students with essential knowledge for managing agricultural systems and the role of agriculture in economic development.
He further highlighted the significance of agriculture in improving livelihoods, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security for rural populations, noting that it provides essential raw materials, jobs, and economic growth. Prof. Iorapuu also acknowledged the contributions of former university leaders who helped pave the way for this initiative and affirmed the university’s commitment to sustaining BSU-CEFTER beyond the World Bank-funded project.
BSU-CEFTER has made substantial strides, enrolling over 30 international students from 10 West and Central African countries in its postgraduate programs. The Centre’s leader, Prof. Barnabas Ikyo, shared that the centre’s subsidiary, CEFTER Foods Nigeria Ltd, has generated over $1 million in revenue in the past decade. He also noted that BSU-CEFTER has supported 11 startups, established food processing industries, and helped refugees and displaced persons achieve self-reliance.
Peoplesmind
