Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Professor Leonard Karshima Shilgba as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Science and Technology (UAST), Ihugh, with immediate effect. Professor Shilgba succeeds Dr. Amua, who was relieved of his duties for administrative reasons.
The newly appointed Acting Vice Chancellor is a Professor of Mathematics with more than three decades of experience in teaching, research, university administration and institutional leadership. His professional background includes postdoctoral research in Japan under the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Fellowship, service as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and contributions to the establishment and development of UAST.
Announcing the appointment, Governor Alia urged Professor Shilgba to provide stable leadership, strengthen academic excellence, promote unity within the university community and prioritise the welfare of staff and students while safeguarding the institution's academic standards and reputation.
Leadership transitions within public universities are significant because institutional performance is closely linked to the quality of academic and administrative leadership. Appointing an experienced academic with governance and university management experience provides continuity while creating opportunities to strengthen institutional stability during a period of transition.
The appointment also reflects the state's responsibility for ensuring effective governance of its tertiary education institutions. Strong university leadership influences strategic planning, academic quality, research development, financial management and stakeholder confidence, all of which contribute to the long-term sustainability of higher education.
Professor Shilgba's background in university administration, institutional development and national education governance provides a foundation for advancing the university's mandate in agricultural science, technology and research. His previous involvement in the establishment of UAST also offers institutional familiarity that may support ongoing development initiatives.
The decision reinforces Benue State's continued investment in higher education governance. Effective leadership at UAST has the potential to strengthen human capital development, expand research capacity in agriculture and technology, and enhance the university's contribution to innovation, food security and socio-economic development within the state and beyond.
Benue State Daily Policy Tracker: July 2026 Governance Index and Key Reforms | Updated July 31, 2026
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