The education reform drive of Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has received a major boost following the approval of several new academic programmes for the Cross River State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST) by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
In a letter dated February 20, 2026, the NBTE formally authorized the college to commence a range of National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes after a successful Digital Resources Inspection Verification Visitation conducted by the regulatory body.
The newly approved programmes at the Cross River State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra, span a wide range of disciplines aimed at strengthening technical and agricultural education. They include National Diploma (ND) courses in Horticultural Technology, Computer Science, Hospitality Management Technology, Agricultural Technology, Forestry and Environmental Technology, Animal Health and Production Technology, and Fisheries Technology, as well as Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in Agribusiness Management, Crop Production Technology, Agricultural Extension and Management, Forestry and Environmental Technology, Animal Production Technology, and Fisheries Technology, providing students with diverse opportunities to acquire practical skills for the modern economy.
The approval followed a two-day inspection visit by the NBTE team from February 6 to 7, 2026, during which the delegation validated new programmes, revalidated existing ones, and assessed the institution’s facilities, laboratories, demonstration farms, teaching resources, and staff capacity to ensure compliance with national technical education standards.
The team, led by Dr. Mrs. Fatima Kabir Umar, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness at the college and commended the Cross River State government for its commitment to revitalizing technical and agricultural education.
Dr. Umar said the state government’s decision to reposition the institution as a College of Agriculture, Science and Technology demonstrates a forward-looking vision aimed at strengthening food security, promoting innovation, and equipping students with practical skills for a modern economy. “We are impressed with the facilities and the level of preparedness we observed. The state government’s vision in re-establishing this institution is commendable,” she noted.
Speaking to the visiting team, the Rector of the college, Prof. Irom Bassey Okey, described the NBTE approval as a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the institution under the current administration. He highlighted the state government’s strategic investments in infrastructure, academic programmes, and expanded opportunities for students as key drivers of the college’s renewed capacity.
“This support positions the college to deliver high-quality programmes in agriculture, science, and technology while reinforcing our focus on food security and sustainable development,” the Rector stated.
The Registrar of the college, Dr. Gabriel Ojie Osang, also welcomed the NBTE team and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining the highest academic standards. “Our goal is not just to run programmes but to ensure that they meet NBTE standards and global best practices, producing graduates equipped to meet industry demands,” he said.
With the latest approval, the Cross River State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Obubra, is set to commence academic activities in the newly approved programmes, further advancing the state government’s broader agenda to expand access to quality technical education.
Stakeholders have hailed the development as a strong endorsement of the state’s education reform efforts, noting that the expansion of academic offerings at CAST will help build a skilled workforce capable of driving agricultural development, technological innovation, and economic growth in Cross River State.
