College of Agriculture Science and Technology COAST Lafia News

Fisheries Technology Department Holds Seminar for HND II and ND II Students

The Fisheries Technology Department of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, has held a seminar for students of Higher National Diploma (HND) II and National Diploma (ND) II to present and defend their project work.

In his opening remarks, the Head of Department, Mr. Joshua Umaru, encouraged the students to make their presentations with confidence and without fear of criticism. He explained that the exercise was designed to help students improve their research work and bring out the best in their respective projects.

He further stated that the panel was constituted to provide constructive observations that would enhance the quality of the students’ work and contribute to effective teaching and learning in the department. He noted that the seminar also forms part of the requirements for accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

The panel comprised the Head of Department, Joshua Umaru; Chief Lecturers Abari Musa and Manasseh Usman; and Dada S.A., while the Seminar Coordinator, Salua Barnabas, coordinated the exercise.

Other staff members of the department were also present. The seminar was successfully conducted, with students presenting their projects and receiving professional feedback from the panel.

Information and Protocol Unit
COAST,Lafia
18th August 2026

Rector Receives Two COAST Lafia Students Benefiting from Renewed Hope Digital Programme

The Rector of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (COAST), Lafia, Dr. Musa Yahaya Maikafi, has received two students of the College who benefited from the Renewed Hope Student Leaders Engagement and Digital Acceleration Programme for the North Central Zone.

The programme, organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Engagement, Comrade Sunday Dayo Asefon, is aimed at promoting student leadership, digital empowerment and youth participation in national development.

The two beneficiaries, both from the Department of Computer Science, COAST Lafia, were selected and awarded laptops in recognition of their excellence and participation in the initiative.

Receiving the students, the Rector expressed appreciation to the organisers for creating opportunities that support student development and digital empowerment. He congratulated the beneficiaries and encouraged them to make meaningful use of the opportunity to enhance their academic pursuits and digital skills.

The achievement further highlights COAST Lafia’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, digital literacy and student development.

Management congratulates the beneficiaries and appreciates the organisers for extending the impactful initiative to students of the College.

Information and Protocol Unit COAST, Lafia
6th August 2026

COAST HOSTS IITA/JOSTUM MULTI-STAKEHOLDER PLATFORM ON ENHANCING FARMERS' ACCESS TO MODERN VARIETIES

The College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (COAST), Lafia, today hosted the North Central Multi-Stakeholder Platform of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)/Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) under the theme, "Enhancing Farmers' Access to and Use of Modern Varieties."

The delegation was led by Dr. Teryima Lorlamen, who welcomed participants and outlined the objectives of the visit. He explained that the engagement was designed to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, identify challenges limiting farmers' access to improved crop varieties, and promote strategies that will increase the adoption of modern, high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties to improve food security and farmers' livelihoods.

In his opening remarks, the Rector of the College, Dr. Musa Yahaya Maikafi, warmly welcomed the IITA/JOSTUM delegation and other stakeholders to the institution. He expressed appreciation to the team for choosing the College as the venue for the important engagement and commended their commitment to advancing agricultural development through research, innovation and collaboration.

The Rector also appreciated the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State for his unwavering support for agricultural education and for his visionary leadership in upgrading the institution to a polytechnic, a move that has expanded opportunities for academic programmes and research. He noted that agriculture is rapidly evolving through science, technology and innovation, stressing that institutions must continue to embrace modern approaches to equip farmers with the knowledge and technologies required to increase productivity and ensure sustainable food production.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Dr. Jimin, the IITA Representative, Mr. Zakari Usman of the Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme (NADP), and Dr. Abimiku Obed, Director of Research and Development, COAST. The speakers emphasized the importance of partnership among research institutions, government agencies, extension service providers and farmers in ensuring that improved crop varieties are readily accessible and effectively utilized to enhance agricultural productivity and food security.

The meeting brought together researchers, agricultural experts, development partners and other stakeholders who engaged in productive discussions on practical strategies for strengthening seed systems and improving farmers' access to quality planting materials across the North Central region.

The visit further reinforces COAST's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that promote agricultural research, innovation and sustainable rural development.

Information and Protocol Unit COAST Lafia
6th August 2026

COAST RECTOR REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AS PRESIDENTIAL AIDE PAYS COURTESY VISIT

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Student Engagement, Comrade Sunday Dayo Asefon, paid a courtesy visit to the Rector of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (COAST), Lafia, Dr. Musa Yahaya Maikafi, to strengthen collaboration on initiatives aimed at promoting students' welfare and educational development.

The visit was aimed at familiarizing with the Rector's office, appreciating the management for its unwavering support to students, and commending the peaceful coexistence enjoyed by students within the institution.

During the visit, Comrade Asefon informed the Rector of the forthcoming Renewed Hope Students Engagement Programme, scheduled to hold at the Federal University of Lafia. He explained that the programme is designed to enlighten students on the various opportunities available under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly those focused on digital innovation, skills acquisition, and youth empowerment.

He further disclosed that the programme would feature sensitization on the Federal Government's Students' Loan Scheme, an initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education and easing the financial burden on students. According to him, the College is expected to be represented by 50 students at the event.

Responding, the Rector, Dr. Musa Yahaya Maikafi, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his sincere appreciation for choosing the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (COAST), Lafia, as one of the institutions to benefit from the Students' Loan Scheme sensitization programme and the Renewed Hope Students Engagement initiative.

He assured the delegation of the College's full cooperation and reaffirmed the institution's commitment to programmes that promote students' welfare, educational advancement, innovation, and digital empowerment.

The Rector expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, for upgrading the College to a Polytechnic and expanding its mandate to include programmes in Applied Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, and other technology-driven disciplines. He noted that the transformation has positioned the institution to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and technical skills required to compete in the modern world.

Dr. Maikafi also appreciated the Governing Council, Management, members of staff, and students of the institution for their dedication, support, and collective contributions toward the growth and transformation of the College.

He commended the Federal Government and the office of the SSA to the President on Student Engagement for introducing initiatives that create opportunities for students through education, innovation, and empowerment. He emphasized that the world is rapidly advancing through information and communication technology, making it imperative for students to embrace digital skills and prepare themselves for the opportunities of the future.

The Rector thanked Comrade Sunday Dayo Asefon and his delegation for the courtesy visit, wished them success in the implementation of the programme, and encouraged the selected students to participate actively and maximize the opportunities presented by the initiative.

Information and Protocol Unit COAST Lafia
6th August 2026

Since its establishment in 1976, the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (COAST), Lafia, formerly known as COAL, has remained committed to excellence in agricultural education, science, engineering, and technology.

For five decades, we have produced skilled graduates, driven innovation, and contributed meaningfully to the development of Nasarawa State and Nigeria.

Admissions are now open!

Take the next step toward a rewarding future by joining an institution built on excellence, innovation, and practical knowledge.

Choose COAST Lafia. Choose Excellence. Build Your Future Today.

Information and Protocol Unit COAST Lafia
5th August 2026

Welcome to August!

A new month reminds us that every seed planted with dedication can produce a great harvest.

At the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (COAST), Lafia, we are committed to quality education, agricultural innovation, scientific excellence, and practical skills for national development.

As we journey through August, we celebrate our progress and look forward to greater achievements through collaboration, hard work, and God’s grace. Together, we will continue to cultivate knowledge, inspire innovation, and transform lives.

To our Governing Council, Management, staff, students, alumni, partners, and the entire COAST community, thank you for being part of our success story.

May this new month bring fresh ideas, fruitful opportunities, and remarkable achievements to us all.

Information and Protocol Unit COAST Lafia
1st August 2026

NATE Pays Courtesy Visit to COAST Management, Seeks Stronger Collaboration

The Nigeria Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), Nasarawa State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the Management of the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (COAST), Lafia, to strengthen collaboration and promote professionalism among engineering technologists.

The delegation, led by the State Chairman of NATE, Engr. Bako Mohammed, was warmly received by the Rector, Dr. Musa Yahaya Maikafi, alongside the Principal Officers of the College.

Speaking during the visit, Engr. Mohammed highlighted the objectives of NATE as a professional body committed to promoting ethical standards, technological advancement, and the professional development of engineering technologists in Nigeria. He also briefed the Management on the ongoing COREM initiative, which is aimed at facilitating the induction of graduating engineering students into the engineering profession and encouraging professional registration.

He appealed to the College Management to support the implementation of the initiative and encourage the registration of engineering technologists within the institution, noting that professional membership would enhance mentorship, networking, and the practical development of future engineering professionals.

Responding, the Rector, Dr. Maikafi, expressed appreciation to the Association for identifying COAST as a strategic partner. He reiterated the College's commitment to promoting skills acquisition, innovation, and entrepreneurship, noting that the institution has continued to expand its academic mandate to meet the nation's technological needs.

The Rector assured the delegation of the institution's full support for the initiative, describing the collaboration as a valuable opportunity to strengthen engineering education and professional practice.

Dr. Maikafi further disclosed that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has approved five engineering programmes for the institution: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, and Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology.

He explained that the transformation of the institution from the former College of Agriculture to the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology was made possible through the visionary leadership and educational reforms of the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, whose commitment to technical and vocational education has continued to reposition the institution to meet contemporary demands.

The Rector commended Governor Abdullahi A. Sule for his unwavering support and investment in engineering, technology, agriculture, and education across the state. He noted that the Governor's commitment to these critical sectors has accelerated infrastructural development, expanded academic opportunities, promoted innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthened the capacity of institutions to produce skilled professionals capable of driving sustainable development in Nasarawa State.

He described the visit as timely and expressed confidence that the collaboration between the College and NATE would contribute significantly to the advancement of engineering education, technological innovation, and manpower development in the institution and the state.

Also speaking, the Dean, School of Engineering and Environmental Technology, Engr. Jonathan Kuje, commended the Rector for his continuous support in providing the resources and innovations needed to strengthen engineering education and professional development within the institution.

Information and Protocol Unit COAST, Lafia
30th July, 2026

Fresh, Organic Vegetables Now Available at COAST!

The Family Business Garden (FBG) Concept, introduced by Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) to the College of Agricultural Science and Technology (COAST), was designed to increase participation in food production, promote household dietary diversification, and create market opportunities for farming households.

Over the past three years, the partnership has successfully achieved these objectives through the continuous production of vegetables such as okra, cucumber, spinach, waterleaf, fluted pumpkin (ugu), and pepper across both dry and wet seasons.

We are pleased to announce that the 2026 wet-season harvest of organically produced fluted pumpkin and waterleaf is now available for sale.

Join us every Friday afternoon and enjoy fresh, nutritious, organically grown vegetables while supporting student-led agricultural innovation

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to a successful harvest season and bountiful sales.

Information and Protocol Unit COAST Lafia.
30th July 2026