The vice chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, Prof. Olufemi Peters has commended students of the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER’) Benue State University Makurdi for their outstanding achievements in developing over 100 innovative food products using local staples, demonstrating exceptional value addition and enhanced shelf life.
The varsity don, who made this known during a presentation at the 10th anniversary of CEFTER’ in Makurdi, said the feat was achieved through teaching, research and practical training which has put the university on the global map, showcasing the students’ innovation and expertise in food technology.
According to him, CEFTER, from its 10 graduate academic programmes and 3 postgraduate diploma programmes, has so far produced 67 PhD graduates, 252 master’s degree holders and 23 post-graduate diplomas , while 7,850 are certificate holders in short-term courses that address specific knowledge and skills on the management of Post-Harvest Loss.
In his paper titled “The Impact of African Centres of Excellence (ACE): Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Post-Harvest Management,” Prof. Peters also applauded the Centre leader, Prof. Barnabas Ikyo, for his determination to ensure that the centre’s mandate, which is to manage the challenges faced by many African countries, including Nigeria, in the Agricultural production cycle that deals with Post-Harvest losses, is achieved.
In a welcome address, the leader and director of CEFTER, Prof. Ikyo informed that the Centre has trained 531 Cameroon refugees on agricultural produce handling and preservation alongside 130 agricultural extension workers who will in turn step the training down to farmers at the grassroots.
The centre director expressed commitment to ensure economic development, food security, and sustainable practices in the centre even as he informed that the CEFTER has generated over $1 million in revenue over the past decade.
