KEY POINTS

• Benue State created the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology to equip young people with skills for modern farming and secure enough food for the area.
• The state has employed nearly 9,000 teachers, set the minimum wage for civil servants at ₦75,000 and improved many schools’ buildings.
• In order to fight threats in the area, the government has started a fashion and ICT center and stepped up security operations under Operation Anyam Nyôr.

The University of Agriculture, Science and Technology at Ihugh, created by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, aims to address the growing need for higher learning and make food supplies safer in the state.

Alia brought it up during his second anniversary address which he delivered in Makurdi. He pointed out that the new university aims to create experts who can help the nation by advancing agriculture using recent scientific findings.

The governor said that having young people engage in farming is fundamental to the new university’s purpose. He pointed out that the program forms a key element in fighting food shortages and building a capable and independent labor force in the region.

Changes in both the school system and public works were introduced

According to Governor Alia, his administration strongly values education in their plan for development. In this process, 9,000 teachers were recruited through a fair online testing system, representing a new achievement for the state.

The administration has also approved ₦75,000 as the new minimum wage for public school teachers and all state civil servants.

Educational facilities have improved through new school buildings, renovations, new libraries, new toilets and secured fencing. Apart from that, over 13,347 pieces of classroom furniture have been provided, including some for early childhood education.

Because of technology, model schools are now using new teaching methods, even at the UBEC Smart School in Makurdi and plans are in place to share this model with additional institutions.

Youth innovation coupled with the new university and security initiatives

Alia has partnered with the Federal Government to create a new ICT and fashion hub in Makurdi. With the hub, Benue aims to promote young people’s innovation in software and fashion industries, asides from the new university that will promote knowlegde.

The governor pointed to the achievements made by Operation Anyam Nyôr, a group formed by law to combat terrorism and banditry.

The government has given law enforcement Hilux vans and motorcycles to boost what they can do.