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Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has approved and commended the commencement of work on a new Science and Technical College in Oju Local Government Area, as part of efforts to expand access to vocational, science-based, and skills-oriented education across Benue State.
The project, situated within the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, follows recommendations by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Secondary Education, Chief Isaac Onwu, who had earlier identified critical gaps in technical education provision in underserved rural areas of the state.
The proposed institution is designed to equip students with practical competencies in science, technology, engineering, technical trades, and vocational skills. Officials say the college will directly address youth unemployment by producing graduates with employable, market-relevant abilities, thereby supporting economic empowerment and self-reliance among young people.
Construction work has already begun, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on timely project delivery and visible infrastructure development. Upon completion, the Oju Science and Technical College is expected to serve communities currently lacking access to quality technical education facilities, reducing the need for students to travel long distances for such training.
The initiative aligns with the state government’s broader education reform agenda, which prioritizes improving learning quality, relevance, and alignment with modern skills demands. A government source described the project as “a deliberate effort to reposition education towards skills acquisition, innovation, and sustainable youth development.”
The college is projected to become a key centre for skills training and economic growth in the constituency and surrounding areas, contributing to long-term human capital development in Benue.
