Why we want to rename Benue State University after Moses Adasu – Gov Alia

The Benue State Government has explained why it intends to rename Benue State University, Makurdi, after the late Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu, a former governor of the state and the university’s founder.

Governor Hyacinth Alia made the announcement on Saturday during the university’s combined convocation ceremony, stating that an executive bill has already been sent to the State House of Assembly for the renaming of the institution to Reverend Father Moses Adasu University.

“This is a way of honoring the founder of this institution, our administration has forwarded an executive bill to the state assembly to rename the university after Rev. Fr. Moses Adasu,” the governor explained.

Rev. Fr. Adasu, a Catholic priest, established the university during his brief tenure as governor from 1991 to 1992.

Governor Alia also outlined plans for the establishment of a satellite campus of the university in Adikpo, in the Kwande Local Government Area. This initiative aims to increase access to higher education for residents of the Benue North-East senatorial district. He urged the university’s management to work closely with the state government to ensure the successful establishment of the campus.

Additionally, the governor announced the donation of 500 computers to the university’s Computer-Based Test Center and 100% Master’s Degree scholarships for all first-class graduates. He encouraged the graduates to uphold the values of integrity and hard work, stressing that true success is measured not only by personal achievement but also by the positive contributions one makes to society.

Governor Alia praised the university’s role in implementing the Center for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER) and reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting partnerships with the World Bank to combat post-harvest losses. He also revealed plans to revitalize the Wannune Tomato Company and Taraku Mills, creating more job opportunities for youth while boosting the state’s economy.

Addressing the graduates, the governor urged them to take advantage of his administration’s agricultural policies. He assured them of free funding and farming inputs to help them establish profitable livelihoods in agriculture, reducing reliance on scarce white-collar jobs.