Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has announced plans to establish satellite campuses of Benue State University in the Benue North-East and South senatorial districts. This initiative aims to bring higher education closer to the grassroots and address the increasing demand for educational opportunities.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Saturday by Tersoo Kula, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary.
Governor Alia stated, “This strategic expansion will improve access to education and reinforce the university’s role in fostering human capital development across the state.”
During the university’s combined convocation ceremony, the governor donated 500 computers to the university’s computer-based test center and awarded full master’s degree scholarships to all first-class graduates. He encouraged the recipients to be ambassadors of integrity and hard work, emphasizing that true success lies not only in personal achievements but also in contributing positively to society.
Governor Alia also revealed that his administration had submitted an executive bill to the Benue State House of Assembly to rename the university as Reverend Father Moses Adasu University, in honor of its founder. He expressed optimism about the institution achieving global recognition for excellence.
He commended the university management for its successful implementation of CEFTER and pledged to sustain its World Bank partnership. Additionally, he promised to revitalize the Wannune Tomato Company and Taraku Mills to address post-harvest losses, boost the state’s economy, and create job opportunities for youths.
The governor urged graduates to take advantage of his administration’s agricultural policies by embracing farming, assuring them of government support through free funding and farm inputs. He noted that farming offers a viable alternative to the scarce white-collar jobs.
He also encouraged those pursuing further education to remain dedicated to acquiring knowledge, using it as a tool for solving societal challenges, and serving as role models in their communities.