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In a powerful display of legislative support, the Benue State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education, chaired by Hon. Isaac Ochekiliye, has showered praise on the management of the newly established Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (UAST), Ihugh, for the impressive groundwork already laid at the take-off campus in Vandekiya Local Government Area.
During an oversight visit, the committee—accompanied by members including Hon. Becky Orpin (Gboko East), Hon. Peter Uche (Guma I), and Hon. Jonathan Agbidye (Katsina-Ala East)—was warmly received by Pioneer Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Pst.) Qrisstuberg Amua, alongside his management team. The lawmakers toured ongoing building projects, assessed infrastructure needs, and engaged deeply with the vision driving this ambitious institution.
Prof. Amua didn’t mince words, calling UAST “the brainchild of His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State,” conceived to deliver practical, hands-on university education tailored to Benue’s agricultural and technological realities. “We are here to produce not just graduates but solutions to Benue’s agriculture, food systems, and by extension, Nigeria’s and Africa’s,” he declared. “This university is designed to move education from the classroom to the farm—a truly practical model that produces job creators, not job seekers.”
He revealed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has already granted approval for the institution to admit its first set of students, with a ceiling of 2,500 admissions. To widen access, UAST has launched a Remedial Studies (pre-degree) program for candidates lacking complete JAMB requirements or entry qualifications. “Within six weeks of announcing the remedial program, over 1,200 people applied,” Prof. Amua shared. “This shows how much the people of Benue desire access to education. We will train them, help them qualify for JAMB, and absorb them on a first-line basis. Admission for remedial students will be released immediately, and full academic sessions will begin in January 2026.”
The Vice Chancellor commended the lawmakers as “midwives of the university’s birth and progress” and urged the speedy passage of the university’s establishment law—one of the fastest in Nigeria’s history. He was candid about challenges: lack of take-off funds, staff accommodation, and the need for farm and factory infrastructure to enable practical learning. “We have been working patriotically without salaries for four months, but our commitment remains firm,” he said. “We are hopeful that with your oversight and support, this institution will thrive and truly transform Benue into the food and fish basket of the nation.”
Future plans are bold: a large dam on Sambe stream for irrigation and aquaculture training, tractor assembly workshops on campus, and satellite training farms across Benue’s local governments to promote modern agriculture and youth empowerment.
Hon. Ochekiliye, visibly impressed, described the visit as a fulfillment of legislative duty “to come and see things for ourselves.” He lauded Governor Alia’s foresight in prioritizing such a transformative project and praised the management’s dedication despite limited resources. “We are happy that the Executive Governor has considered this place worthy to host a university of this nature, and that capable hands have been appointed to oversee its development,” he said.
The committee pledged to present its findings to the House with recommendations for appropriate budgetary support, promising to explore ways to reimburse efforts already made. “Even though nothing much has been given as take-off funds, the Vice Chancellor and his team are doing a wonderful job,” Hon. Ochekiliye added. “By the grace of God, when we return to the House, we will look into ways to support and reimburse the efforts already made.”
Other committee members echoed confidence in the university’s leadership and vowed continued legislative backing to ensure its success. They also commended Prof. Amua’s sacrifice and dedication, calling his leadership “rare and inspiring at a time when true public service is scarce.”
The oversight visit concluded with an inspection of ongoing construction at the take-off campus, as the committee reiterated its readiness to collaborate closely with the university management and the executive arm to address immediate funding and infrastructural needs.
With the NUC’s green light, remedial admissions underway, and legislative goodwill firmly in place, UAST Ihugh is not just rising—it’s poised to redefine agricultural education and economic empowerment in Benue and beyond. This is more than a university. It’s a revolution in the making.
