Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Prof. Leonard Karshima Shilgba as Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture Science and Technology (UAST), Ihugh.

In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, on Thursday, said Prof. Shilgba took over from Dr. Qrisstuberg Msughter Amua who has been relieved for administrative reasons.

Governor Alia who is the Visitor to the university, while congratulating the new Acting Vice Chancellor, stated that, “This is a position of great responsibility, and we trust you will lead with wisdom, integrity, and fairness.

“As you assume this office, I urge you to provide steady leadership, strengthen academic excellence, and promote unity among staff and students”.

Alia further advised Prof. Shilgba to ensure he prioritizes the welfare of members of the university and works diligently to uphold the values and reputation of the institution.

According to the statement, “The appointment takes immediate effect.
Shilgba is a Professor of mathematics, university administrator, scholar, author, educationist, and academic leader”

“He hails from Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State and has had a distinguished academic and administrative career spanning over three decades”

The statement further stated, “His academics also include advanced postdoctoral research experience. In 2009, he was awarded a Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Fellowship, through which he undertook postdoctoral research in Japan. His experience in university leadership has also included participation in strategic planning and institutional development at a period of significant transformation in Nigerian higher education.
He also contributed to establishing UAST, Ihugh”

“In 2017, President Buhari appointed Professor Shilgba as the Chairman of the 9th Governing Board of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), where he served with vision, distinction, and uncompromising disposition” the statement added.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM) branch, formerly known as Benue State University (BSU) has suspended  its industrial action with immediate effect.

According to ASUU, the decision followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Benue State Government and the university management.

Recall that, MOAUN lecturers had embarked on indefinite strike on June 1, 2026, over welfare related issues.

In a statement issued by the MOAUM chapter Chairman of the ASUU, Dr. Ako Sule, on Wednesday, directed academic staff of the university to resume duties immediately.

“The decision to suspend the industrial action became necessary following the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding arising from a tripartite agreement involving the Union, the Benue State Government and the University Administration,” he said.

“The Union expects the government and the University Administration to faithfully implement the terms of the MoU and respect the principles and rules of collective bargaining. Sustained industrial harmony can only be achieved when agreements freely entered into are honoured promptly and in good faith,” Sule said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the upgrade of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, Nasarawa.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President Information and Strategy, the upgrade is in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening technical education, developing human capital, and unlocking Nigeria’s vast solid minerals potential.

The statement said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, representing Nasarawa West Senatorial District, who made a case for the establishment of a specialised institution to harness Nasarawa State’s comparative advantage in the solid minerals sector and support Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.

According to the presidential directive, the specialised university will provide world-class education, research, and innovation in mining, engineering, mineral processing, metallurgy, manufacturing, and emerging technologies, while producing the skilled workforce required to drive value addition, technological advancement, and sustainable exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.

“The approval reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s tertiary education system with national development priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda by establishing specialised institutions that address the country’s economic needs and leverage its competitive advantages”

The President has directed the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), and other relevant agencies to commence the processes necessary to implement the conversion in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

President Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration will continue to invest in education as a strategic driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and national prosperity.