The Education reform drive of Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has received a significant boost following the approval of several new academic programmes for the Cross River State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST),Obubra by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
In a letter dated February 20, 2026, the NBTE formally authorized the college to commence a number 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 include: ND Horticultural Technology; HND Agribusiness Management; ND Computer Science; ND Hospitality Management Technology; ND Agricultural Technology.
Others are HND Crop Production Technology; HND Agricultural Extension and Management; ND Forestry and Environmental Technology; HND Forestry and Environmental Technology; ND Animal health and Production Technology; HND Animal Production Technology; ND Fisheries Technology; and HND Fisheries Technology
The approval followed a two-day inspection visit by the NBTE team to the institution from February 6 to February 7, 2026. During the exercise, the team validated newly proposed programmes, revalidated existing ones, and carried out a comprehensive assessment of the institution’s facilities, teaching resources, laboratories, demonstration farms, and staff capacity to ensure compliance with national standards for technical education.
The delegation, led by Dr. Mrs. Fatima Kabir Umar, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness demonstrated by the institution and commended the Cross River State Government for its commitment to revitalizing technical and agricultural education.
Dr. Umar noted that the state government’s decision to reposition the institution as a College of Agriculture, Science and Technology reflects a forward-looking vision aimed at strengthening food security, promoting innovation, and equipping young people with practical skills needed in 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 as a College of Agriculture, Science and Technology is commendable,” she said.
Speaking during the interaction with the visiting team, the Rector of the institute, Prof. Irom Bassey Okey, said the approval marks a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of the college under the present administration.
According to him, the Cross River State Government has demonstrated strong commitment to the revitalization of the institution through strategic investments aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening academic programmes, and expanding opportunities for students.
“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.
Also speaking, the Registrar of the college, Dr. Gabriel Ojie Osang, 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, while producing graduates who are well 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 strengthening the state government’s broader efforts to expand access to quality technical education.
Stakeholders have described the development as a major endorsement of the state’s education reform agenda, noting that the expansion of programmes at the institution will help build a skilled workforce capable of driving agricultural development, technological innovation, and economic growth in Cross River State.
