Benue State University Set to Establish Faculty of Agriculture, Marks 10 Years of CEFTER Excellence

Benue State University (BSU) is poised to launch a Faculty of Agriculture, according to Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Tor Iorapuu, who revealed the institution’s plans at the 10th anniversary celebration of the BSU Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER) in Makurdi. The anniversary event, held on Thursday, highlighted the university’s dedication to advancing food technology, research, and educational excellence across Africa.

Prof. Iorapuu, in his address titled "CEFTER: A Decade of Advancing Post Graduate Education Excellence in Africa," emphasized BSU's commitment to higher education, research, and innovation. He affirmed that the new Faculty of Agriculture would bolster climate-smart agriculture and support regional technical advancement. He also credited CEFTER with addressing post-harvest losses in West and Central Africa, thus promoting food security in the region.

Acknowledging the role of the state government in BSU’s growth, Prof. Iorapuu said, “BSU will soon commence the Faculty of Agriculture. The Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has issued a directive for the faculty to take off soon.” The VC further noted that the faculty’s establishment aligns with Governor Alia’s vision to expand BSU’s offerings and support agricultural innovation.

CEFTER has become a regional and global focal point, drawing over 30 foreign students from 10 countries in West and Central Africa. Prof. Iorapuu expressed gratitude to the World Bank and partners like AFD France, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Association of African Universities (AAU), whose support has enhanced CEFTER’s data foundation and technological capabilities.

Prof. Akase Sorkaa, former VC of BSU and Chairman of the occasion, lauded CEFTER’s impact on students, describing the center as a leader in imparting high-quality education and practical training for real-world challenges in food technology. He projected that CEFTER would continue promoting indigenous foods and climate-resilient agriculture across Africa.

CEFTER Director, Prof. Barnabas Ikyo, shared that the center has trained 718 students, with 182 graduates to date. He highlighted CEFTER’s community initiatives, including promoting food hygiene among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Cameroonian refugees. “Our 10 years have been marked by dedication, resilience, and collaboration,” Prof. Ikyo stated, expressing hope for expanded international enrollment in the future.

Former Chief Economic Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Ode Ojowu, expressed concerns over Nigeria’s reliance on international financial aid and emphasized the need for federal and state government support to sustain CEFTER beyond 2025, when current international sponsorships are expected to conclude.

The Och’Idoma, HRM Chief John Elaigwu Odogbo, represented by Chief Chris Ijale, urged the government to prioritize food security and commended BSU’s achievements through CEFTER, encouraging the institution to continue its impactful work.