Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has signed a bill converting the state-of-the-art Reference Hospital in Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Lokoja by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, during a press briefing.
This move aligns with the National Universities Commission’s approval for a full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, among other medical courses, at CUSTECH. Mr. Fanwo stated that this development ensures the programme begins on a solid foundation.
“This achievement is the result of months of coordinated engagement between the university, the State Ministry of Health, and the State Ministry of Education. We commend the State House of Assembly for passing the bill, which has now been signed into law by Governor Ododo,” Fanwo said.
He highlighted the administration’s commitment to healthcare, noting that the former Reference Hospital—now the CUSTECH Teaching Hospital—is equipped with world-class medical facilities, some of which are debuting for the first time in Africa.
“With this development, CUSTECH will have cutting-edge medical technology to train outstanding healthcare professionals for Kogi State and beyond,” he added.
Fanwo further emphasised the administration’s dedication to both healthcare and education, describing the signing as a significant milestone in the state’s progress. He also expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for their collective effort in achieving this historic development.
With the bill now signed into law, CUSTECH is set to effectively commence its MBBS programme.