NewsNexus | September 14, 2026

JALINGO, TARABA STATE — The Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved the appointment of Professor Demo Joab Usman Kalla as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action, Gembu.

The appointment was announced in a press release dated September 14, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, Esq.

Professor Kalla is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Animal Science. Before his appointment, he served as Director of the TETFund Centre of Excellence on Dairy Research and Development at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

He was also a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, further highlighting his involvement in national efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s livestock and agricultural sector.

According to the Taraba State Government, Professor Kalla has an impressive record of research and scholarly publications in reputable local and international journals. His contributions to Animal Science have earned him recognition within academic and professional circles.

Mandate of the New University

The appointment comes as Taraba State moves to establish and position the Gembu-based institution as a specialised centre focused on tropical agriculture, science, technology and climate action.

Governor Kefas expressed confidence that Professor Kalla’s experience in academia, research, leadership and administration would provide the strategic direction required to build the new university into a centre of excellence.

The Governor expects the Vice Chancellor to work with relevant stakeholders towards achieving the institution’s mandate while advancing education, research, innovation and sustainable development in Taraba State and beyond.

The university’s focus on tropical agriculture is particularly significant for Taraba, a state with substantial agricultural potential and diverse ecological zones. Its location in Gembu also provides an opportunity for the institution to develop research and innovation around agriculture, climate resilience and technologies suited to tropical and highland environments.

Government’s Expectations

The Taraba State Government said Professor Kalla is expected to deploy his wealth of experience to lay a strong academic and administrative foundation for the new institution.

Governor Kefas consequently wished the new Vice Chancellor a successful and impactful tenure, urging him to work diligently with relevant stakeholders to translate the vision behind the university into measurable outcomes.

The appointment represents another major step in the state’s effort to expand specialised higher education, research and innovation, particularly in areas linked to agriculture, science, technology and sustainable development.

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