The Benue State House of Assembly has revisited the renaming of the state university, originally known as Benue State University, Makurdi. In December 2024, under Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, the university was renamed Rev. Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, in honor of the late Reverend Father Moses Orshio Adasu, the institution’s founder. However, the House of Assembly recently concluded that the new name was cumbersome and unwieldy. To address this issue, the Assembly undertook an amendment process, culminating in a shorter, more practical name: Father Adasu University, Makurdi. This change reflects a desire to maintain the honor bestowed upon the founder while ensuring the name’s ease of use and recognition.
The renaming of the university from Benue State University to Rev. Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University was initially proposed by Governor Alia during the institution’s combined convocation in December 2024. Governor Alia, serving as visitor to the university, emphasized the importance of acknowledging Rev. Fr Adasu’s pivotal role in the university’s establishment. The change, backed by an executive bill sent to the state assembly, marked a significant shift in the university’s identity, reflecting its founder’s legacy and contribution to education in Benue State. The move was seemingly well-received, marking a significant tribute to the late Reverend Father.
The decision to shorten the name came after a debate initiated by the House Majority Leader, Mr. Saater Tiseer, during a plenary session. Tiseer argued that the length of the name, “Rev. Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi,” was excessive and potentially cumbersome. Following the debate, the House’s Standing Committee on Higher Education reviewed the matter and presented its report. The Assembly accepted the committee’s recommendation, ultimately passing the amendment to officially rename the university “Father Adasu University, Makurdi.” This action demonstrates the Assembly’s responsiveness to practical concerns while maintaining the core intent of honoring the university’s founder.
Beyond the university’s renaming, the Benue State House of Assembly also addressed the elevation of two state colleges of education. The Assembly passed bills enabling the College of Education, Katsina-Ala, and the College of Education, Oju, to award degrees. Speaker Alfred Emberga presided over these proceedings, ensuring due process was followed in the passage of these transformative bills. The Clerk of the House, Dr. Bem Mela, played a key role in officially reading the bills for the third time, finalizing the legislative process for their enactment. This move signifies a significant development in the state’s tertiary education landscape, expanding degree-awarding capacity and potentially increasing access to higher education for Benue State residents.
The legislative changes regarding these educational institutions reflect a broader commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in Benue State. By honoring the founder of the state university and expanding the degree-granting abilities of two colleges of education, the government is demonstrating a focus on recognizing past contributions while investing in the future of higher education. These actions have the potential to positively impact access to and the quality of education within the state, contributing to long-term human capital development and overall societal progress.
In conclusion, the Benue State House of Assembly’s amendments reflect a pragmatic approach to honoring historical figures while ensuring practicality and promoting educational advancement. Shortening the university’s name streamlines its identity while preserving its tribute to Rev. Fr Adasu. Simultaneously, the elevation of two colleges of education to degree-awarding status marks a significant step towards expanding educational opportunities within Benue State. These actions represent a balanced approach that respects the past while proactively shaping the future of education in the region.
