By Doris Yuwa, Makurdi
Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi has conferred a Dedicated Service Award on Prof. Barnabas Ikyo during its 22nd, 23rd, and 24th convocation ceremonies held at the University’s campus in Makurdi. This prestigious award recognizes Prof. Ikyo’s outstanding contributions and exemplary services to the academic community and his impactful effects on the lives of its graduates worldwide.
Prof. Ikyo, a renowned physicist and Director of the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER) at BSU, has made significant impacts in various fields, including photonics, energy, and postharvest loss control. His dedication to advancing education in Africa has driven his involvement in numerous initiatives, including managing African higher education projects for over a decade.
Under his leadership, CEFTER has achieved remarkable milestones, including obtaining full national accreditation for all its programs and international accreditation for three programs. The Centre has also successfully trained over 80 PhD students and more than 300 Master’s students.
Presenting the award, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Tor Joe Iorapuu said Prof. Ikyo’s contributions to BSU in the last 10 years extends beyond his academic achievements and has facilitated significant funding and partnerships, including leading a team to win a second World Bank grant of $5 million for the ACE-Impact project and collaboration on a £7.8 million Food and Nutrition Security Project the University of Greenwich. His team also implemented enterprise that generated about $1.2million producing gluten free cassava based biscuits for school pupils in Benue State Nigeria.
The Dedicated Service Award is a testament to Prof. Ikyo’s tireless efforts to promote academic excellence, innovation, and community development. Benue State University is proud to recognize his outstanding service and contributions to the university’s growth and reputation.
