By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Renowned Physicist and Director of the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER) at the Benue State University, BSU, Prof. Barnabas Ikyo has been conferred the Dedicated Service Award of the institution.

Prof. Ikyo was reportedly honoured with the prestigious award for his outstanding contributions and exemplary services to the academic community and impacting the lives of the institution’s graduates worldwide.

He was also said to have bagged the award following his exemplary leadership as the Director of CEFTER where he achieved remarkable milestones, including obtaining full accreditation for all its programs and international accreditation for three programs. And the Centre also successfully trained over 80 PhD students and more than 300 Master’s students.

Presenting the award in Makurdi as part of the activities marking the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th convocation ceremonies of the University, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tor Iorapuu noted that “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 with the University of Greenwich.

“His team also implemented the enterprise that generated about $1.2million producing gluten free cassava based biscuits for school pupils in Benue State.

“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.”

He was also said to have made significant impacts in various fields, including photonics, energy, and postharvest loss control. And his dedication to advancing education in Africa has driven his involvement in numerous initiatives, including managing African higher education projects for over a decade.