By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi.
An extension of the Benue State University known as Centre for Food Technology and research CEFTER has pledged to sustained shaping Africa,s food security landscape through innovation, community development as well as academic excellence in the country.
CEFTER is a project funded by the World Bank,over the years, to address post harvest management issues and carryout post graduate education aiming at excellence in Africa.
Speaking at the 3rd West and Central Africa Post- Harvest Congress and Exhibition on the Theme: Impact of African Centres of Excellence at Ten, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in post management held yesterday in Makurdi, Vice Chancellor of the university,Joe Iorapuu commended the Benue State Government, World Bank, AFD France, National Universities Commission,NUC, and Association of African Universities, AAU, for their support.
He acknowledged the contributions of former Vice Chancellors which he said had paved way for the Project to succeed and the university intend to sustain CEFTER’s projects through alternative measures as the current project concludes.
Iorapuu reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence in higher education, research, and innovation,
acknowledging that over 30 international students from 10 West and Central African countries have enrolled in CEFTER’s postgraduate programs, assuring other organizations willing to partner the institution to do so for the development of the state and country
In his welcome remark,Director of CEFTER, Barnabas Ikyo, expressed commitment to economic development, food security, and sustainable practices, disclosing that CEFTER Foods Nigeria Ltd, a subsidiary, of the centre has generated over $1 million in revenue over the past decade.
He noted that CEFTER has also supported 11 startups, establishing new food processing industries and supported refugees and internally displaced individuals to be self sustaining among other things.
In his remarks Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria NOUN professor 0lufemi Peters described the efforts of the food technology and research celter as unprecedented.
The vice Chancellor has noted the post- Harvest as major problem in the African Continent pointing out that the facilities are not available to preserve after massive production.
” Olufemi therefore appraise the management led by professor James Ikyo director for food technology and research CEFTER for institute towards ensuring susnaibillity of the centre