Benue State University (BSU) is set to launch a new Faculty of Agriculture, following approval by Governor Hyacinth Alia. The faculty aims to support the Centre for Food Technology and Research (BSU-CEFTER), a World Bank-funded initiative established a decade ago to tackle post-harvest management and provide advanced education.

Announced during BSU-CEFTER’s 10th anniversary celebration in Makurdi, Vice Chancellor Prof. Joe Iorapuu highlighted that the new faculty will enhance BSU’s food technology innovations, including its mini-factories producing cassava flour, tomato paste, and food-processing equipment.

Beyond bolstering food tech, the faculty will increase undergraduate admission slots and serve as a hub for entrepreneurial training, equipping students with hands-on skills in agriculture. Prof. Iorapuu underscored the importance of agriculture in empowering students with a deeper understanding of food production cycles, crop seasonality, and market logistics.

The faculty is also expected to elevate rural economic opportunities, aligning with BSU’s commitment to supporting livelihoods through sustainable food, job creation, and agricultural advancement. BSU-CEFTER’s impact over the past decade includes $1 million in revenue, 11 startup supports, and aid programs for refugees and displaced individuals, underlining BSU’s role as a driver of economic resilience and food security across the region.