Dr Yakubu Tor-Agbidye

DR. YAKUBU TOR-AGBIDYE’S BRIEF BACKGROUND

Full Name: Yakubu Tor-Agbidye

Education:
MBA 2001: Business Administration, Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO. USA
PhD 1992: Animal Nutritional Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis Oregon, USA
MS 1987: Animal and Poultry Nutritional Sciences; Tuskegee University, Alabama USA
BS 1987: Animal and Poultry Sciences: Tuskegee University, Alabama USA

Dr. Yakubu Tor-Agbidye was born on August 16, 1957, at Tor-Damisa village in Akate ward of Donga Local government, Taraba State. At the time of his birth, his father was the Clan Head of Ugondo clan in the then, Wukari Federation, he is one of 12 children of his father. Dr. Tor-Agbidye started his education at Tor-Damisa LGEA Primary School in 1964. But following the death of his father in 1965, he moved to Mkar, Makurdi and finally completed his primary education at Katsina-Ala Township School in 1971. He thereafter, attended Wesley High School Otukpo, from 1972 and graduated in 1976. While at Wesley High School, his leadership was recognized and he was made the Assistant Head boy. After graduation, he proceeded to School of Basic Studies (SBS) Ugbokolo for further studies, but due to financial constraints, he had to withdraw. He later attended College of Agriculture Yandev, from 1979 and graduated in 1980 where he obtained Ordinary National Diploma in Livestock Production with a Distinction. While at, Yandev, he was the Secretary General of Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS), and also was elected, the Student Government President where he successfully and dynamically represented the students’ interest.

After College of Agriculture Yandev, Dr. Tor-Agbidye briefly worked as a Livestock Assistant in Nigeria before proceeding to the United States of America for further studies. He attended Tuskegee University, Alabama, from 1983 to 1987, and graduated with BS and MS in 1987. He was thereafter awarded a Fellowship to pursue a doctoral degree at Oregon State University (OSU) Corvallis, Oregon. He attended OSU from 1987 to 1992 and graduated with a Doctorate Degree in Animal Nutritional Sciences. While at Oregon State University, he was elected President, African Students Association (ASA). During his term, he networked with many other students’ organizations to exhibit several events together. He gave speeches in and around the institutions and towns including radio talk shows and interviews with BBC, promoting and educating listeners on African political and cultural affairs. He raised funds and organized several activities for the association.

Upon graduation, Dr. Tor-Agbidye joined Hewlett Packard/Agilent/Avago in 1992, and voluntarily resigned in 2007 to pursue other interests. During his time with the companies, he had many professional and managerial and computer trainings. He also held several positions within the company including, Capacity Planner, Fab Supervisor, Procurement Manager, Program Manager, and Materials Procurement Consultant in Electronic Sourcing with a World-Wide responsibility of electronic commerce for the company. While working with the company, Dr. Tor-Agbidye also attended Colorado State University, Fort Collins Colorado USA, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, (Management and Electronic Commerce).

Upon return to Nigeria in 2007, Dr. Tor-Agbidye unsuccessfully contested for the Southern Taraba senate seat. Following that, he was appointed the Special Advisor, Special Duties to the Deputy Speaker, of the House of Representatives from 2008 to 2011. After that, he was nominated to be on the gubernatorial campaign team of the late Governor Danbaba Suntai to represent the Tiv people. After which the late Governor Suntai appointed him as the Special Advisor on Tourism.

Dr. Tor-Agbidye was the pioneer Head of Department, Animal Production and Health at the Federal University, Wukari and as a Senior Lecturer, 2012 - 2014. He also lectured as a Visiting Senior Lecturer, Taraba State University from 2014 to 2015. He is currently a Member, Governing Council, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Dr. Tor-Agbidye has widely traveled and visited several countries including United States, Japan, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, Great Britain, Ghana, Togo and Benin. He is married with three children.