From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has lauded the significant role of Benue State University (BSU), the state owned tertiary institution in the socio- economic and educational growth of the state
This is just as the Governor also, restated the determination and commitment of his administration to confront and address the ills and challenges in the educational sector of the state.
Alia made the assertion at the 30th Anniversary of BSU held at the College of Health Sciences auditorium, on Friday.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management Rev. Frederick Ikyaan, Governor Alia explained that it was for this reason that government established the Benue State Quality Education Agency (BEQEA).
He noted that BSU has attained great heights in its 30 years of existence,describing it as the ‘Jewel of the State’.
The Governor promised to sustain and propel the institution to heights, adding, ‘government will give credible support to the university’.
Ealier, BSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tor Iorapuu said the institution is celebrating boundless academic growth in 30 years.
He acknowledged the great strides the school has made,maintaining that its products are excelling in different fields globally.
He said : “ In the next 30 years we are expecting rapid growth. We should not be disillusioned because knowledge is power.”
Similarly, the Guest Speaker and former Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Paul Sorkaa bemoaned inadequate funding of the university.
He stressed the need to increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the university.
He also, decried lack of autonomy stating that the university should enjoy autonomy such that the VC should have power to engage and retain the best students in the university.
Prof. Sorkaa challenged Governor Alia to consolidate on the successes attained by the university in the last 30 years, appealing to him to extend payment of pension and gratuity to staff of the university as it will impact positively on their lives.
