The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on Tuesday attended the maiden matriculation ceremony of the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (UAST), Ihugh, in Vandeikya Local Government Area, where 664 pioneer students were formally admitted into the institution.
Governor Alia described the university as a strategic investment in knowledge, innovation, research, and human capital development. He emphasized that the institution was conceived not as a political convenience but as a deliberate intervention to build a globally competitive centre of learning capable of transforming agriculture, science, technology, and economic development in Benue State.
Addressing the matriculating students, the governor charged them to see themselves as the foundation of the institution by upholding discipline, excellence, integrity, and purposeful learning. He stressed that education must transcend personal ambition and contribute meaningfully to societal advancement and national development.
Governor Alia tasked academic staff and university leadership to maintain market-responsive and industry-driven standards anchored on meritocracy, transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the university attains full operational status through necessary support, statutory approvals, and policy frameworks.
He also revealed plans to introduce scholarship opportunities to expand access to education for indigent students across the state. The governor appreciated the host community for donating land for the establishment of the institution and assured them that UAST would evolve into a centre of excellence where academic scholarship, innovation, research, and practical development converge to drive sustainable progress.
The statement was issued by Chief Solomon Iorpev, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication.
