By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, on Saturday unveiled a renewed vision for world-class education in the state as the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, graduated 266 pioneer students at its maiden convocation ceremony. The event, held at the university’s main campus, marked a major milestone in Kogi’s drive to strengthen technology-driven higher education. The convocation featured 132 graduates from the 2023/2024 academic session and 134 from the 2024/2025 session. Governor Ododo described the ceremony as the realization of a long-standing aspiration to position Kogi as a hub for scientific innovation.“We inherited the vision, and by the grace of God, we have improved the structure, broadened the scope, and raised the standard to make CUSTECH a world-class institution,” he said.
Ododo commended former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, founder of CUSTECH, for his foresight in establishing the university more than five years ago. He highlighted key infrastructural upgrades, including completed road networks, new student hostels, an ongoing Senate building, a modern library, an engineering complex, medical lecture theatres, and enhanced security installations such as CCTV systems and perimeter fencing.“ These projects reflect our commitment to building a university that every Kogite will be proud of,” he noted.The governor also celebrated the recent federal approval of CUSTECH’s MBBS programme, supported by a fully equipped Teaching Hospital. According to him, the programme will train a new generation of medical professionals dedicated to serving humanity.
Ododo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely intervention during the abduction of CUSTECH students earlier in the year. He remarked that some of the graduates could have been “in the hands of enemies of progress” without the president’s swift response.In recognition of academic excellence, the governor announced automatic employment for the best graduating students from each faculty. “Their hard work deserves recognition,” he stated.Chancellor of CUSTECH, HRH Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, praised the state government for its support and encouraged graduates to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible citizenship.Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdurahman Asipita Salawu, described the maiden convocation as a remarkable achievement for the young institution. He revealed that CUSTECH now offers 56 NUC-approved programmes across 44 departments, eight faculties, and one college, serving more than 5,000 students.He affirmed that all 266 graduates successfully completed their programmes, benefiting from strengthened academic structures and improved learning environments.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello commended Governor Ododo for sustaining and expanding his administration’s vision, which led to the establishment of three state universities.The ceremony also featured cash awards for exceptional students. The overall best graduates, Omachonu Shedrack Chubiyo (2023/2024) and Ummulkhairi Oyiza Sheidu (2024/2025), expressed gratitude and pledged to uphold excellence.The event drew high-profile attendees, including former Governors Yahaya Bello and Idris Wada, the Minister of Steel Development, senior government officials, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.
