Prof. Reuben Jonathan – DVC Administration
Professor Jonathan REUBEN, born on 18 December, 1969 in Wukari, Taraba State, is a distinguished scholar, comrade and university administrator with a professional background in Agricultural Economics. He had his early education at Byepyi Primary School and Government Secondary School, Wukari, before proceeding to the College of Preliminary Studies, Yola. He later obtained his B. […]
Professor Jonathan REUBEN, born on 18 December, 1969 in Wukari, Taraba State, is a distinguished scholar, comrade and university administrator with a professional background in Agricultural Economics. He had his early education at Byepyi Primary School and Government Secondary School, Wukari, before proceeding to the College of Preliminary Studies, Yola. He later obtained his B. Agric. Tech. (Hons) in Agricultural Economics and Extension from the Federal University of Technology, Yola in 1997, a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 2010 and his Ph.D in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2015.
His professional career began with the National Youth Service Corps in 1997–1998, after which he served as a teacher under the Taraba State Post Primary Board until 2011. During this period, he also contributed to development work as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer with the Galaxy Club/SACA HIV/AIDS HAF I, a World Bank assisted project. In 2011, Professor Reuben joined Taraba State University, Jalingo, as a lecturer, where he has since risen through the ranks to become Professor of Agricultural Marketing in 2024.
A committed academic, Professor Reuben has published widely in reputable journals locally and internationally, contributing to knowledge in agricultural marketing, resource use efficiency and regional trade within the ECOWAS sub-region. His works address both local and international issues, with emphasis on food security, market integration and rural development. He has also presented papers at numerous national and international conferences, showing his visibility and impact within the scholarly community.
Within the University system, he has held various leadership roles, including Departmental Examination Officer, Postgraduate Coordinator, Head of Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Director of the School of Basic Studies and Nodal Officer/Director of SERVICOM. His administrative expertise culminated in his appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Taraba State University, Jalingo, in 2024, a position in which he has continued to provide strategic support to the Vice-Chancellor in strengthening institutional governance and administration.
Beyond academic administration, Comrade Reuben has been deeply involved in staff unionism and governance. He served as Chairperson of ASUU-TSU Jalingo Branch (2013–2018) and later as Zonal Coordinator of ASUU-Yola Zone (2021–2024). He has contributed to numerous Senate and Council committees, often chairing sensitive assignments such as disciplinary panels, accreditation committees, and policy review bodies, reflecting the trust reposed in him by the University community.
His service also extends to broader professional associations, including membership of the National Association of Agricultural Economists, Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Farmers Association of Nigeria, and Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria. He is equally active in community and socio-cultural organisations, including the Abiu’bauka Socio-Cultural Association and the CRC-N Christian Education Board, where he served as chairman from 2015 to 2022.
As a mentor, Professor Reuben has supervised numerous undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral theses, thereby contributing to the training of the next generation of scholars in Agricultural Economics. His supervision has produced graduates who are already making significant contributions in academia, agribusiness, and development practice across Nigeria.
Professor Reuben is widely respected as a teacher, researcher, administrator and community leader. His academic rigour, leadership acumen and commitment to service exemplify the true values of a well-trained academics with proven integrity. Currently serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), he continues to play an integral role in strengthening institutional governance, academic development and the pursuit of excellence at Taraba State University, Jalingo and beyond.