Governor Samuel Ortom has signed two bills for the conversion of Alfred Akawe Torkula College of Advanced and Professional Studies, AATCAPS, to Alfred Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi and Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev to Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev.
The governor said the two institutions were part of his administration’s deliberate efforts to reposition the education sector to meet 21st century challenges.
According to the governor, the assent was only the beginning of the process and that proactive steps would be taken to secure the necessary regulatory approvals to admit, train and graduate people who would add greater value to the state.
He urged the Benue State Executive Council to speedily approve recommendations contained in the report on the polytechnics and called on host communities to take advantage of opportunities created by siting of the institutions in their areas.
Benue State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, while presenting the bills to the governor for assent, acknowledged the enormous benefits that would be derived from the initiatives and solicited sustained support of the people.
Education Commissioner Prof. Dennis Ityavyar praised Ortom for his determination to lift the standard of education. He assured that the ministry would hasten the process for accreditation of the institutions.
Also signed into law was a bill establishing the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme to facilitate the establishment of the State Health Insurance Agency.