The University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (UAST), located in Ihugh, Benue State, has received formal approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to introduce 34 new undergraduate programs, which are set to commence in the 2025/2026 academic session.
The official confirmation of these newly introduced courses was disseminated through a press release issued by the Office of the Registrar at UAST. This announcement underscores the university's commitment to promoting interdisciplinary education that integrates agricultural innovation with science, technology, and sustainability.
This recent approval follows the provisional license granted by the NUC in May 2025 for the establishment of UAST, thereby positioning the institution as a pivotal contributor to knowledge-driven development within Nigeria's agrarian sector.
As the 68th state-owned university in Nigeria, UAST aims to address contemporary challenges related to food security, environmental stewardship, and digital transformation through its specialized curricular offerings. Vice-Chancellor Professor Patrick St. Orisibugu M. Anua characterized this endorsement as a "milestone in the university's mission to deliver a distinctive polymathic learning model that merges disciplinary depth with multi-sectoral skill sets, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation—within a green, energy-efficient environment nurturing the thinkers, inventors, and reformers of tomorrow."
The newly approved programs are organized across four academic schools, providing a comprehensive selection of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degrees designed to equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills.
The newly introduced 34 new undergraduate programs by the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology (UAST) are as follows:
School of Agriculture
- B.Sc. in Soil Science and Technology
- B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
- B.Sc. in Agribusiness
- B.Sc. in Crop Science
- B.Sc. in Animal Science
- B.Sc. in Family and Consumer Science
- B.Sc. in Horticulture and Landscape Management
- B.Sc. in Fisheries and Aquaculture Wildlife Management
- B.Sc. in Forestry Resources and Wildlife Management
- B.Sc. in Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology
- B.Sc. in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology
School of Science and Technology
- B.Sc. in Industrial Mathematics
- B.Sc. in Industrial Physics
- B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry
- B.Sc. in Environmental Management and Toxicology
- B.Sc. in Biotechnology
- B.Sc. in Medicinal Chemistry
- B.Sc. in Geological Chemistry
- B.Sc. in Zoology and Mining
- B.Sc. in Microbiology
School of Allied Health Sciences
- B.Sc. in Human Nutrition and Dietetics
- BNSc in Nursing Science
- B.Sc. in Public Health
- B.Sc. in Complementary and Alternative Medicine
School of Computing
- B.Sc. in Computer Science
- B.Sc. in Data Science
- B.Sc. in Cyber Security
- B.Sc. in Information and Communication Technology
- B.Sc. in Information Systems
- B.Sc. in Software Engineering
These programs, comprising a total of 34 distinct offerings, emphasize experiential training in disciplines such as biotechnology, cybersecurity, and sustainable resource management. This focus aligns with national priorities about agricultural modernization and technological advancement. Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the cybersecurity Secretary, previously advised a phased implementation during the university's licensing process, stating, "It is not necessary to commence all programs simultaneously... please communicate which programs you wish to initiate first," to ensure quality and effective resource allocation.
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, whose administration was instrumental in UAST's establishment, heralded the approvals as a "watershed moment" for Benue's educational framework. Represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Samuel Ode during the initial NUC ceremony, Alia emphasized the institution's role in empowering youth and enhancing agricultural productivity, asserting, "Contemporary agricultural production cannot thrive without science, technology, and innovation." The state government has pledged to expedite infrastructure development, encompassing academic facilities and faculty recruitment, to accommodate the initial student intake for the 2025/2026 session.
Various educational stakeholders and agricultural specialists have lauded this initiative, viewing it as a strategic advancement toward bridging existing gaps in specialized higher education in Nigeria. UAST, in conjunction with Benue State University, is poised to stimulate research in climate-resilient agriculture, digital agritech, and health sciences, thereby enhancing the state's reputation as the national "Food Basket." The NUC will conduct ongoing assessments to ensure compliance and progress regarding accreditation.
For further inquiries, please contact the Registrar, Dr. Johnson Jale Echor, at 08065365620 or via email at johnson.echor@uast.edu.ng. As UAST approaches this forthcoming chapter, it reaffirms its vision of cultivating innovators who will promote sustainable growth across various sectors.
