Centre For Food Technology & Research, Benue State University,Makurdi

11/07/2026

CEFTER TOMATO THRIVE PROJECT RECORDS ENCOURAGING HARVEST AND POSITIVE FARMER IMPACT IN WANNUNE AND GBOKO

The Tomato Thrive Project of the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, has reached another significant milestone with the commencement of harvesting activities at its pilot sites in Wannune and Gboko, Benue State.

On 7th July 2026, the project committee conducted a field monitoring and harvest assessment visit to evaluate crop performance, document early project outcomes, and engage participating farmers on their experiences following the introduction of improved tomato varieties and recommended agronomic practices.

The field visit revealed encouraging results across both pilot locations.

Farmers have commenced harvesting and reported significant improvements in yield, fruit quality, shelf life, and market value compared to the local tomato varieties traditionally cultivated within their communities.

The economic impact of the intervention is already becoming evident. Participating farmers reported that tomatoes harvested from the improved variety are currently being sold for approximately ₦1,800 per basket, compared to about ₦1,100 per basket previously obtained from local varieties, representing a 63.6% increase in revenue per basket. They also indicated that the fruits remain fresh for more than nine (9) days after harvest, significantly reducing post-harvest losses and giving them greater flexibility to determine the most favourable time to market their produce.

Despite the widespread fungal disease outbreak that affected many local tomato farms during the production season, the improved variety established under the Tomato Thrive Project demonstrated remarkable resilience. Although minor fungal symptoms were observed, the crop recovered well and continued to produce encouraging yields, while several local varieties within the communities suffered severe losses, forcing some farmers to replant their fields with the traditional variety multiple times with little or no success.

Beyond the agronomic performance of the crop, the visit demonstrated growing farmer confidence in the project. Many participating farmers expressed satisfaction with the improved variety, citing its superior cooking quality, better taste, and improved market acceptance. Several farmers also requested additional seeds to enable year-round production and expand cultivation in subsequent planting seasons.

The Tomato Thrive Project continues to demonstrate the value of research-driven agricultural interventions in strengthening the tomato value chain through improved technologies, farmer capacity development, continuous technical support, and stakeholder engagement. The current phase represents only the beginning of a broader initiative designed to support multiple actors across the tomato value chain and contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Benue State.

CEFTER remains committed to advancing sustainable agricultural innovation through research, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships that improve productivity, strengthen food systems, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance livelihoods across Benue State and Nigeria.

09/07/2026

Centre For Food Technology & Research, Benue State University,Makurdi is pleased to share a valuable skills acquisition opportunity and encourage you to inform your siblings, relatives, friends, or other young people who are currently at home, seeking employment, or awaiting admission to take advantage of this programme.

The programme, Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA), is a three (3)-month intensive training organized by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) ITF Corporate Office Abuja in partnership with the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER).

Participants will receive practical training in the following areas of choice:
✅ Postharvest Technology
✅ Culinary Arts
✅ Welding and Fabrication

If you or anyone you know experiences difficulty completing the online registration, please feel free to contact Anza Jacob . He will assist with the application process.

⏰ Registration is encouraged today or tomorrow (Friday), as successful applicants will be shortlisted and invited for a screening exercise scheduled to commence next week.

Registration Link:
https://supa.itf.gov.ng/register

Please share this opportunity widely with anyone who may benefit.

Empowering artisans and intending artisans in Nigeria with skills and certifications.

17/06/2026

CALL FOR ADMISSION!!!

REV. FR. MOSES ORSHIO ADASU UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI
CENTRE FOR FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH (CEFTER)
29th April, 2026
The Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi, (formally Benue State University) Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER) is one of Seventeen World Bank African Centres of Excellence in Nigeria. CEFTER is mandated to train manpower in a focused area of control of Post- harvest losses of food crops.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for admissions in the new academic year of the Centre commencing from Novermber, 2026.
Sales of application forms shall commence (on-line) from 4th May 2026 – 31st
July, 2026.
Method of Application
i. Applicants are to visit the CEFTER website www.cefterbsu.edu.ng (Under Course); click on ‘application form’ and complete pre-registration information, make payment of non- refundable fee of N15,000 online using paystak
ii. Applicants will receive confirmation e-mail when they have submitted the form.
iii.After payment is received, your application forms will be processed.
Candidates should endeavor to forward transcripts of their current qualifications to the Admission Officer, Centre for Food Technology and Research, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi.

The list of courses to be offered at the Centre and their entry requirements are as listed below:
1.FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: PhD. AND MSc.
2.POST HARVEST PHYISIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF CROPS: PhD AND MSc.
3.POST HARVEST ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY: MSc.
4.BIO STATISTICS: MSc,
5.FOOD CHEMISTRY. PhD AND MSc.
6.FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY. PhD AND MSc
7.FOOD ECONOMICS. PhD AND MSc
8.RADIATION AND MEDICAL PHYSICS. PhD AND MSc
9.RURAL SOCIOLOGY AND AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION. PhD. AND MSc
10.ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. PhD AND MSc
11.ANALYTICAL AND INSTRUMENTAL CHEMISTRY. PGD
12.CONSUMER SCIENCE: FOOD AND NUTRITION. PGD
13.FOOD PRESERVATION. PGD

REQUREMENTS FOR MSc.
Five O’ Level credit passes at not more than two sittings including English Language and Mathematics . Also B.Sc or PGD in a related field of study with a CGPA of not less than 2.40 on a 5 point scale.
Evidence of NYSC/Exemption certificate for Nigerian applicants
REQUIREMENTS FOR PhD
Five O’ level credit passes including English Language and Mathematics. Academic Masters in relevant areas with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a 5- point scale from any recognized University.
Evidence of NYSC/Exemption certificate for Nigerian applicants
REQUIREMENTS FOR PGD
Five O’ Level credit passes at not more than two sittings including English Language and Mathematics . Also a minimum qualification of Third Class degree from a recognized University in Chemistry related discipline.
Evidence of NYSC/Exemption certificate for Nigerian applicants

Signed
Management

08/06/2026

Congratulations 🎉🎉

PROFESSOR UBWA TO LEAD UNIVERSITY'S CENTRE FOR FOOD TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH

The Governing Council of Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, has approved the appointment of Professor Simon Terver Ubwa as Director/Centre Leader of the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER). The appointment was ratified at the Council's 153rd Meeting held on Wednesday, 13th and Thursday, 14th May, 2026, and takes effect from 14th May, 2026.

Professor Ubwa, a distinguished scholar and accomplished researcher, assumes leadership of the Centre at a time when the University is intensifying efforts to promote research, innovation and practical solutions to food-related challenges. His appointment reflects the confidence of the Governing Council in his capacity to provide visionary leadership and strengthen the Centre's contribution to national development.

As Director/Centre Leader, Professor Ubwa will be responsible to the Vice-Chancellor for the overall administration and management of the Centre. He will oversee its day-to-day operations, coordinate programmes and activities, and ensure the effective implementation of policies aimed at advancing research, innovation and capacity development in food technology.

In addition, he will serve as an ex-officio member of all committees of the Centre and provide strategic leadership in the formulation and implementation of initiatives designed to enhance its effectiveness. He will also chair the Management Committee and the Technical Committee, ensuring effective coordination of research activities, technical operations and institutional collaborations.

The Centre for Food Technology and Research plays a strategic role in promoting scientific research, value addition, food processing technologies and sustainable food systems. With Professor Ubwa at the helm, the University is optimistic that the Centre will further expand its impact through innovative research, strategic partnerships and that address contemporary food security challenges.

The University community congratulates Professor Simon Terver Ubwa on his appointment and wishes him a successful tenure.

Directorate of Information, Protocol and Public Relations.
Office of the Vice-Chancellor.
Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi.
Monday, 8th June, 2026

26/05/2026

CEFTER Tomato Thrive Project Records Encouraging Growth Progress in Wannune and Gboko

As part of the ongoing implementation of the Tomato Thrive Project, the project committee from the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, visited the project sites in Wannune and Gboko.

The visit was to assess the progress of the transplanted tomato seedlings and conduct a Tomato Value Chain Assessment with participating farmers.

The visit revealed encouraging growth performance across both pilot locations. Several of the transplanted seedlings had already started flowering, marking an important milestone in the project’s implementation.

During the visit, participating farmers were also trained on essential crop management practices, including proper staking of tomato plants, pruning techniques, and fertilizer application methods to support healthy crop growth and improved yield performance. In addition, one bag each of NPK and MOP fertilizer was distributed to farmers at both the Wannune and Gboko project sites to support ongoing field activities.

The committee also engaged farmers and other value chain actors to assess production challenges, market realities, access to inputs, and opportunities for strengthening tomato enterprise development in Benue State.

Despite the drought conditions experienced in the area, participating farmers demonstrated remarkable commitment and resilience by manually watering the tomato fields to sustain crop growth.

Their dedication contributed significantly to the healthy establishment and continued development of both improved hybrid and local tomato varieties being cultivated under the project.

The Tomato Thrive Project continues to promote a systems-based approach to strengthening the tomato value chain in Benue State. This is being achieved through farmer engagement, technical support, comparative field demonstrations, and evidence-based interventions aimed at improving productivity, livelihoods, and food security.

CEFTER remains committed to advancing sustainable agricultural innovation, strengthening food systems, and supporting farmers through research-driven solutions for improved agricultural productivity and economic development in Benue State.

18/05/2026

CEFTER HOSTS CLIMATE-SMART DECISION SUPPORT TRAINING TO ENHANCE RICE PRODUCTION AND LIVELIHOODS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

The Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, on 14th May 2026, played host to a training on the Climate Smart Decision Support System under the project titled “Climate Smart Decision Support System for Women and Youth-Run Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to Enhance Rice Production and Improve Livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The project is being implemented in Nigeria and Kenya with key partners including African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Michigan State University (MSU), Cereal Growers Association (Kenya), University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), and CEFTER, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University.

The initiative aims to empower women- and youth-led SMEs involved in rice production and the rice value chain by connecting them with critical climate information to improve resilience, productivity, and livelihoods. Through CEFTER’s active participation, the project is also strengthening research, innovation, and the application of climate-smart technologies to support sustainable agricultural development in Nigeria.

Today’s training focused on user validation and capacity building on the use of data generated from the weather station earlier installed in Makurdi as part of the project activities. Participants included farmers, CEFTER students, teams from AATF and MSU, as well as the CEFTER project team.

During the training, farmers actively made inputs, shared feedback, and provided practical reactions to the Climate Smart Decision Support System tool under development, contributing valuable insights for its refinement and improved usability.

A field visit was also carried out to the installed weather station, where farmers expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the project in improving climate-smart agricultural practices and rice production outcomes.

05/05/2026

Engaging and Inviting
Innovation in food systems doesn't slow down — and neither does Centre For Food Technology & Research, Benue State University,Makurdi . Catch up on the latest milestones and breakthroughs in the new CEFTER Newsletter.

01/05/2026

Calling on Researchers of MOAUM!

Got groundbreaking research or discoveries worth sharing?

Showcase your research at the UniPod Launch and let the world see!

Submit now:
Bit.ly/UniPodNGIDResearch

If you have any questions please visit the UNIPOD.

01/05/2026

CEFTER Tomato Thrive Project Advances to Seedling Transplanting Phase in Wannune, Benue State.

A field team from the Centre for Food Technology and Research (CEFTER), Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, carried out a field activity in Wannune, one of the pilot locations of the Tomato Thrive Project, to commence the transplanting of tomato seedlings as part of the project’s implementation.

The activity, which took place on Monday, 27th April 2026, was led by Prof. Sylvester Adejo , representing the Acting Director of the Centre, Prof. Ogbene Igbum . Other members of the field team included Bemdoo Hulugh, Estee Achinge Pinga , Bagidi Genesis Aondowase , Titus Wase, and Blake Aondo Bankz

The Tomato Thrive Project is an intervention aimed at strengthening the tomato value chain in Benue State, with initial focus on Makurdi, Wannune, and Gboko. The project adopts a systems-based and inclusive approach, engaging key value chain actors including input suppliers, nursery operators, farmers, aggregators, processors, transporters, marketers, and consumers. It is designed to promote best agricultural practices, enhance enterprise development, improve stakeholder coordination, and provide policy-relevant insights to support sustainable sector growth.

Observations from the field during the transplanting exercise indicate noticeable differences between improved hybrid seedlings and local varieties, with the hybrid seedlings demonstrating greater height and stronger stem development.

Participating farmers in Wannune and Gboko have been guided to transplant both improved and local tomato varieties side-by-side within the same plots, while maintaining detailed records of planting dates and growth performance to support structured comparative analysis.

The next phase of implementation will focus on on-farm management practices and sustained input support. The Centre will continue to provide technical guidance and necessary inputs to ensure optimal crop performance and generate evidence for scaling the intervention across the state.

CEFTER reaffirms its commitment to advancing research-driven sustainable agricultural innovation, strengthening value chains, and improving food security and livelihoods in Benue State.

30/04/2026

UNIpod Smart Agriculture Grand Challenge
�Call for Proposals
�Transforming Farming Through Innovation, Data & Technology
�Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University (formerly Benue State University), Makurdi

1. Background
Agriculture in Benue State holds great potential but continues to face challenges such as low productivity, poor access to inputs, weak irrigation systems, postharvest losses, limited energy access, and poor market linkages.
To address these challenges, the UNIpod Innovation Hub at the University is launching the Smart Agriculture Grand Challenge, a multidisciplinary initiative that brings together students, researchers, and faculty to develop technology-driven, practical solutions across the agricultural value chain.

2. Objective
The objective of this call is to support innovative ideas that:
* Apply science and technology to agriculture
* Improve productivity and efficiency
* Reduce losses across the value chain
* Promote sustainable and climate-smart farming
* Enable digital transformation in agriculture

3. Thematic Areas (Call Categories)
Applicants must submit proposals under one of the following categories:
1. Mapping Agriculture for Impact – GIS mapping, mobile data, remote sensing
2. Smart Inputs Challenge – Soil testing, fertilizer optimization, advisory tools
3. Precision Agriculture Innovation – Smart irrigation, IoT, climate solutions
4. Next-Gen Harvesting Challenge – Mechanization, AI detection, harvest timing
5. Agri-Processing Innovation – Value addition, smart dryers, food innovation
6. Postharvest Innovation Challenge – Storage, cold chain, IoT monitoring
7. Clean Energy for Agriculture – Solar, mini-grids, energy systems
8. Digital Agriculture Challenge – Apps, AI tools, data platforms
9. AgriTech Talent Challenge – Training tools, labs, simulation systems
10. From Idea to Enterprise – Agribusiness models and startups
11. Smart Markets Challenge – Digital marketplaces, pricing, supply chains

4. Eligibility Criteria
This call is open to:
* Undergraduate and postgraduate students
* Academic staff and researchers
* Multidisciplinary teams (strongly encouraged)
Team Requirements:
* 2–5 members per team
* Cross-department collaboration encouraged
* Relevant skills (technology, science, data, agriculture)

5. Departmental Mentorship
Selected teams will receive guidance from:
* Geography (GIS, mapping, spatial analysis)
* Computer Science (software, AI, digital platforms)
* Mathematics (data analysis, modeling)
* Physics (sensors, energy systems)
* Chemistry (soil science, processing, preservation)

6. Expected Outputs
* Functional prototypes (apps, devices, systems)
* Data platforms or dashboards
* Smart agriculture solutions
* Research and technical reports
* Scalable business or innovation ideas

7. Support for Selected Teams
* Mentorship from faculty and experts
* Access to UNIpod innovation facilities
* Seed funding (subject to availability)
* Training and capacity building
* Incubation and commercialization opportunities

8. Timeline
* Call Opens: 29th April 2026
* Application Deadline: 8th May 2026
* Review & Shortlisting: 9th – 10th May 2026
* Pitch/Selection Stage: 11th May 2026
* Program Kick-off: 13th May 2026

9. Submission Format
Maximum 3-page proposal including:
1. Title
2. Thematic Area
3. Team Members
4. Problem Statement
5. Proposed Solution
6. Technology/Approach
7. Expected Impact
8. Work Plan
9. Budget

10. How to Submit
Apply directly via the online form:�👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfD6fO19DHGmOJmVDL1pOYpzXehm0puGCTl7pLHIP3AhlUs2g/viewform?usp=send_form
OR

* Physical Submission:�UNIpod Innovation Hub�Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

11. Selection Criteria
* Innovation and originality
* Relevance to agricultural challenges
* Technical feasibility
* Scalability and sustainability
* Potential impact
* Strength of the team

12. Additional Notes
* Female-led and youth-driven teams are strongly encouraged
* Preference for solutions applicable in Benue State
* Intellectual property remains with innovators (with commercialization agreements where applicable)

Transforming Farming Through Innovation, Data & Technology
Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi
Application Period: 29th April 2026 – 13th May 2026