One of the top state-owned universities in Nigeria is Benue State University, Makurdi (BSUM). The institution was founded in 1992 with the goal of delivering high-quality instruction and encouraging academic success in a calm setting. Like other public universities, BSUM’s tuition structure is crucial for both new and returning students to comprehend. This article offers a thorough overview of Benue State University’s tuition costs, including information on undergraduate and graduate degree breakdowns, payment procedures, and student financial advice.
Overview of Benue State University
Located in Makurdi, the capital city of Benue State, BSUM offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties. These include the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Management Sciences, and the College of Health Sciences.
The university caters to both indigenes of Benue State and non-indigenes, with fee structures that often differ based on residency status. It is important to note that tuition fees at BSUM are relatively affordable compared to private universities in Nigeria, making it a popular choice among students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Benue State University Undergraduate School Fees
The school fees for undergraduate students at BSUM are categorized based on the student’s level (freshers or returning students), faculty, and residency status (indigene or non-indigene). Below is an estimated breakdown:
1. Freshers (New Students)
Freshers often pay higher fees due to additional charges such as acceptance fees, medical fees, and other one-time charges. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Acceptance Fee: This is a mandatory one-time payment for all newly admitted students, usually around N10,000 to N15,000.
- Tuition Fee (Indigenes): Approximately N50,000 to N60,000 per session.
- Tuition Fee (Non-Indigenes): Approximately N90,000 to N100,000 per session.
- Other Charges:
- Medical Fee: N3,000 to N5,000
- ID Card Fee: N1,000
- Library Fee: N2,000 to N3,000
- Development Levy: N5,000
- ICT Fee: N3,000 to N5,000
- Student Union Dues: N1,000
2. Returning Students
Returning students generally pay lower fees since they are not required to pay one-time charges like the acceptance fee. The breakdown is as follows:
- Tuition Fee (Indigenes): Approximately N45,000 to N55,000 per session.
- Tuition Fee (Non-Indigenes): Approximately N85,000 to N95,000 per session.
- Other Charges:
- Medical Fee: N3,000 to N5,000
- Library Fee: N2,000 to N3,000
- ICT Fee: N3,000 to N5,000
- Development Levy: N5,000
Benue State University Postgraduate School Fees
The postgraduate programs at BSUM include Postgraduate Diplomas (PGD), Master’s degrees, and Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs. The fees vary depending on the program and residency status:
- PGD Programs:
- Indigenes: Approximately N80,000 to N100,000 per session.
- Non-Indigenes: Approximately N120,000 to N150,000 per session.
- Master’s Programs:
- Indigenes: Approximately N100,000 to N120,000 per session.
- Non-Indigenes: Approximately N150,000 to N180,000 per session.
- Ph.D. Programs:
- Indigenes: Approximately N120,000 to N150,000 per session.
- Non-Indigenes: Approximately N180,000 to N220,000 per session.
Payment Process for BSUM School Fees
The university provides a seamless payment process for students to pay their school fees. Below are the steps to follow:
- Log in to the Student Portal: Visit the official BSUM website and navigate to the student portal.
- Generate Payment Invoice: After logging in, select the “Pay Fees” option to generate a payment invoice containing your unique Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) number.
- Make Payment:
- Payment can be made online via the Remita platform using a debit card.
- Alternatively, you can visit any bank with the RRR number to make payment.
- Confirm Payment: After payment, return to the student portal to confirm and print your payment receipt.
- Submit Receipt: Submit a copy of your payment receipt to the bursary or faculty office for verification.
Additional Fees and Charges
Apart from tuition, students at BSUM may encounter additional charges, including:
- Late Registration Fee: Students who fail to register within the stipulated time may be required to pay a late registration fee, usually around N5,000 to N10,000.
- Accommodation Fee: On-campus accommodation is optional, with fees ranging from N20,000 to N30,000 per session.
- Project Fees: Final-year students are often required to pay project supervision fees, ranging from N10,000 to N20,000, depending on the faculty.
- Convocation Fee: Graduating students are required to pay a convocation fee, usually around N10,000 to N15,000.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities
To ease the financial burden on students, various scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to BSUM students. These include:
- Benue State Government Scholarships: Open to indigent students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.
- Federal Government Scholarships: BSUM students can apply for scholarships offered by the Federal Government of Nigeria, such as the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship.
- Private Scholarships: Organizations like MTN Foundation and Shell Nigeria provide scholarships for eligible students.
- Work-Study Programs: Students can participate in work-study programs within the university to earn extra income while studying.
Tips for Managing School Fees
Here are some tips to help students manage their school fees effectively:
- Plan Ahead: Create a budget at the beginning of the academic session to estimate all potential expenses.
- Save Early: Encourage parents or guardians to start saving for school fees well before the start of the session.
- Explore Scholarships: Take advantage of available scholarship opportunities to reduce financial stress.
- Part-Time Jobs: Consider part-time jobs or small-scale businesses to supplement your income.
Benue State University offers affordable education with a clear and transparent fee structure. While fees for non-indigenes are slightly higher, the university remains a great choice for quality education in Nigeria. Understanding the breakdown of school fees and planning effectively can help students and their families navigate the financial requirements with ease. By leveraging scholarships, financial aid, and smart budgeting, students can focus on achieving academic excellence without undue financial strain.
Best Dishes in Benue State
Often called the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Benue State is known for its agricultural diversity and culinary richness. Situated in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, the state is home to fertile lands that yield a variety of crops, providing the raw materials for its vibrant food culture. The cuisine of Benue reflects the heritage, traditions, and inventiveness of its people, and this article will highlight some of the state’s best dishes, demonstrating why it is a food lover’s paradise.
1. Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup
Pounded yam is a staple food in Benue State and a favorite across many Nigerian communities. Made by boiling yam and pounding it into a smooth, elastic dough, this dish is often paired with egusi soup, a rich and flavorful soup made from melon seeds, vegetables, and assorted meats or fish.
In Benue, egusi soup is prepared with a unique touch, often incorporating fresh, locally grown vegetables like ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves) or bitter leaves. The soup is further enriched with smoked fish, bush meat, or goat meat, giving it a distinct taste that resonates with the state’s agricultural identity.
2. Tiv Swallow and Ayargu Soup
Ayargu soup is a special delicacy among the Tiv people of Benue State. This soup is made from fermented locust beans (nune) and a mix of vegetables, including spinach and bitter leaves. Ayargu is typically enjoyed with “swallow” foods like amala (yam flour) or akpu (cassava fufu).
The fermentation process of the locust beans gives the soup a unique aroma and tangy flavor, making it a memorable experience for those who try it. Ayargu soup is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients, reflecting the Tiv people’s resourcefulness in using locally available ingredients.
3. Kapenta (Dry Fish) with Corn Meal
Benue is home to numerous rivers, including the River Benue, which provides an abundance of fish. Kapenta, a type of small dried fish, is a popular ingredient in many Benue dishes. It is often paired with corn meal or yam porridge to create a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Kapenta is typically smoked or sun-dried, enhancing its flavor and preserving it for longer periods. The fish is then cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and onions, creating a flavorful sauce that complements the mildly sweet taste of corn meal.
4. Nsala Soup (White Soup)
Nsala soup, also known as white soup, is a delicacy in Benue and other parts of Nigeria. This light, peppery soup is made without the use of palm oil, giving it its characteristic “white” appearance. Key ingredients include catfish, yam, uziza leaves, and local spices.
What makes Benue’s version of Nsala soup stand out is the freshness of the ingredients. The state’s rivers provide an endless supply of fresh fish, while its fertile soil ensures high-quality yams and vegetables. Nsala soup is usually served with pounded yam, making it a perfect dish for special occasions and family gatherings.
5. Beans and Yam Porridge
Beans and yam porridge is a hearty and nutritious meal commonly enjoyed in Benue households. This dish combines yam chunks and beans cooked together with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and palm oil. The result is a thick, flavorful porridge that is both filling and healthy.
Benue’s abundance of yams and legumes ensures that this dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients. For added flavor, locals often include smoked fish or crayfish, making the dish even more delightful.
6. Okra Soup with Goat Meat
Okra soup is a beloved dish in Benue State, celebrated for its slimy texture and rich taste. The soup is made with fresh okra pods, tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of proteins such as goat meat, cow tripe, or fish.
Benue’s okra soup is particularly distinct because of the addition of local spices and vegetables. The soup is usually enjoyed with swallows like eba (garri) or fufu, offering a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
7. Achu Soup (Yellow Soup)
Achu soup, also known as yellow soup, is another traditional delicacy in Benue State. This soup gets its bright yellow color from a mixture of palm oil and spices. Achu soup is typically served with achu (pounded cocoyam), which is similar to pounded yam but made from cocoyam tubers.
The soup is rich in flavor and often includes a mix of meats such as cow skin (ponmo), goat meat, and smoked fish. Achu soup is a testament to Benue’s culinary diversity and the ingenuity of its people in creating flavorful meals from simple ingredients.
8. Jollof Rice with Goat Meat
Jollof rice is a popular dish across Nigeria, but Benue State has its unique version, often enriched with local spices and goat meat. The rice is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and a blend of spices, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful dish.
What sets Benue’s jollof rice apart is the use of fresh, locally grown tomatoes and peppers, which give the dish a rich, natural taste. Goat meat, a favorite protein in Benue, adds a smoky, tender flavor that elevates the meal.
9. Akpukpa (Steamed Bambara Nut Cake)
Akpukpa is a traditional snack made from Bambara nuts, which are abundant in Benue State. The nuts are ground into a paste, seasoned with salt and spices, and then steamed in banana leaves. This dish is a favorite among locals, especially as a light breakfast or snack.
Akpukpa is rich in protein and highly nutritious, making it an excellent option for those seeking a healthy yet delicious meal. The use of banana leaves not only enhances the flavor but also reflects the traditional cooking methods of the Benue people.
10. Nkwobi (Cow Foot Delicacy)
Nkwobi is a popular dish in Benue and other parts of Nigeria. This dish is made from cow foot cooked in a spicy palm oil sauce and garnished with utazi leaves. Nkwobi is often enjoyed as an evening meal or a treat at social gatherings.
In Benue, the freshness of the ingredients and the addition of local spices give the dish a distinctive taste. It is commonly served with a chilled drink, making it a favorite for relaxation and celebration.
Conclusion
Benue State’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its culture and geography. The state’s rich agricultural resources have birthed an array of delicious dishes that reflect its heritage and way of life. From pounded yam and egusi soup to achu soup and akpukpa, Benue offers a culinary experience that is both unique and unforgettable.
Whether you are a resident or a visitor, exploring the best dishes in Benue State is a journey worth embarking on. These meals not only satisfy the palate but also tell the story of a people deeply connected to their land and traditions. So, the next time you find yourself in Benue, be sure to indulge in its rich and flavorful cuisine—a true celebration of Nigeria’s “Food Basket.”