By Muslimat Itopa
The Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, has held its maiden convocation ceremony, graduating a total of 266 students 132 from its pioneer 2023/2024 set and 134 from the 2024/2025 academic year.
The event, held at the university’s main campus in Osara, marked a major milestone for the young institution, which was established to expand access to quality science and technology education in Kogi State.
In his convocation address, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described the ceremony as a fulfillment of a long-standing dream for Kogi State.
“Today, that dream stands tall and dignified in academic growth,” he said. “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.”
Ododo paid tribute to his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello, praising his foresight in conceptualizing and establishing the university over five years ago.
He highlighted the administration’s extensive investments in infrastructure, including,Completion of internal road networks, Construction of male and female hostels ongoing construction of the Senate building, library, engineering complex, and medical lecture theatres and construction of perimeter fencing, CCTV surveillance, and security infrastructure among others.
“These projects reflect our shared commitment to building a university that every Kogite will be proud of,” the governor stated.
Governor Ododo also announced the approval of CUSTECH’s MBBS programme, describing it as a landmark achievement supported by the institution’s world-class teaching hospital.
“We are raising a new generation of medical scientists and health practitioners who will serve humanity with skill, compassion, and patriotism,” he said.
The governor expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention during the abduction of some CUSTECH students earlier in the year.
“Some of the students graduating today could have been in the hands of enemies of progress. Because of your decisive leadership, they are alive, free, and graduating with pride,” he said.
He also honored the memory of students who tragically lost their lives, calling it a reminder of the state’s duty to ensure safety in all learning institutions.
In a gesture applauded by guests, Governor Ododo announced automatic employment for the best graduating students in each faculty.
“Your hard work deserves recognition, and we are proud of you,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of CUSTECH, HRH Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, the Onojie of Ewu, thanked the state government for his appointment and encouraged the graduates to be agents of positive change.
He urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible citizenship.
Vice Chancellor Professor Abdurahman Asipita Salawu described the convocation as a major milestone in the young university’s history.
He stated that CUSTECH now offers 56 NUC-approved programmes across 44 departments, eight faculties, and one college, with a student population of over 5,000.
Professor Salawu noted that the pioneer cohort completed programmes in the sciences, computing, and informatics, while the second cohort benefitted from improved structures and academic consolidation.
He reaffirmed that a total of 266 students graduated across the two sessions.
Founder of the university and former Governor Yahaya Bello praised Governor Ododo for sustaining his vision of expanding access to quality education, which inspired the establishment of three state universities during his administration.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of cash awards to outstanding graduates.
The overall best students Omachonu Shedrack Chubiyo (2023/2024) and Ummulkhairi Oyiza Sheidu (2024/2025) promised to continue striving for excellence and contributing positively to society.
The event was attended by dignitaries including former Governors Yahaya Bello and Captain Idris Wada, the Minister of Steel Development, top government officials, traditional rulers, and other prominent guests.
The maiden convocation reaffirmed the university’s place as a rising centre of innovation, scientific advancement, and youth empowerment in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
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