By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, on Saturday recorded a defining moment in its history as 266 students proudly graduated at its maiden convocation ceremony, a landmark achievement that underscored the institution’s rapid rise as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres of scientific innovation.
The ceremony, held at the university’s main campus in Osara, celebrated 132 graduates from the pioneer 2023/2024 academic session and 134 from the 2024/2025 session. It also marked a major stride in Kogi State’s ongoing investment in modern, technology-driven higher education.
Addressing the gathering, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, described the event as the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration for the state.
“Today, that dream stands tall and dignified in academic growth,” he declared. “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.”
Governor Ododo paid glowing tribute to his predecessor and founder of the university, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, for the foresight that birthed CUSTECH over five years ago.
The governor highlighted major infrastructural investments that have transformed the university, including the completion of internal road networks, construction of male and female hostels, the ongoing Senate building, library, engineering complex, medical lecture theatres, and the installation of perimeter fencing, CCTV systems, and enhanced security facilities.
“These projects reflect our shared commitment to building a university that every Kogite will be proud of,” he said.
A major announcement that drew wide applause was the federal approval of CUSTECH’s MBBS programme, backed by the university’s world-class Teaching Hospital. According to Governor Ododo, this achievement will “raise a new generation of Medical Scientists and Health Practitioners who will serve humanity with skill, compassion, and patriotism.”
The Governor also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention during the abduction of CUSTECH students earlier this 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 noted solemnly, while honoring the memory of students who lost their lives in the incident.
In a gesture that sparked joyous celebration, Governor Ododo announced automatic employment for the best graduating students from each faculty, affirming that “their hard work deserves recognition.”
Delivering his remarks, the Chancellor of CUSTECH, HRH Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, the Onojie of Ewu, thanked the state government for the privilege of service and encouraged the graduates to become ambassadors of innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible citizenship.
The Vice Chancellor Professor Abdurahman Asipita Salawu described the convocation as a remarkable one in the life of the young university. He revealed that CUSTECH now runs 56 NUC-approved programmes across 44 departments, eight faculties, and one college, serving a student population of over 5,000.
He emphasized that both graduating cohorts had benefited from strengthened academic structures and improved learning conditions, affirming that a total of 266 students completed their programmes successfully.
The Founder of the institution, former Governor Yahaya Bello, lauded Governor Ododo for sustaining and expanding the vision that led to the establishment of three state universities during his administration.
One of the ceremony’s highlights was the presentation of cash awards to exceptional graduating students. The overall best graduates, Omachonu Shedrack Chubiyo (2023/2024) and Ummulkhairi Oyiza Sheidu (2024/2025), expressed their gratitude and pledged to uphold the values of excellence and service.
The landmark event was graced by distinguished personalities, including former Governors Yahaya Bello and Idris Wada, the Minister of Steel Development, top government officials, traditional rulers, and other eminent guests.