Education: Kogi Governor signs law establishing CUSTECH Teaching Hospital, Okene

 

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has signed a bill converting the state-of-the-art Reference Hospital, Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital.

This was announced in Lokoja on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, during a press briefing.

The move aligns with the National Universities Commission’s approval of a full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, among other medical courses, at CUSTECH. According to Mr. Fanwo, the step ensures the program 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 emphasized the administration’s prioritization of 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 highlighted the administration’s commitment to 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 creating this historic achievement.

With the bill now law, CUSTECH is poised to effectively commence its MBBS program.

Group describes allegations against CUSTECH VC as Fictitious, Malicious, Urges Kogi Govt to Unmask Perpetrators

 

A socio-cultural group "Committee of Friends Ogaminana" in Kogi, has described the allegations of corruption and sexual harassment against the Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, Prof. Abdulrahaman Salawu as false and malicious.

This was contained in a statement signed by the group's Chairman, Alh. Isah Suleiman; and Secretary,, Musa Ohiani; and seven others, made available to newsmen on Monday Lokoja.

The group described the accusations of corrupt practices, sexual harassment, and anti-party activities as contained in the circulated documents, as evil work of disgruntled individuals.

According to the association, the sole aim of the purveyors of the document is tarnish the impeccable reputation of the accomplished academic, administrator, and public servant.

"Our independent investigation revealed that some staff members, who were reprimanded for their involvement in unethical practices in the school, were behind the campaign of calumny against the Vice Chancellor.

"Unethical practices such as insubordination, harassment and threatening of subordinates, extortion from students, demanding sexual favours in exchange for grades, as well as other illegal and immoral acts.

"The authors of the write-ups are either oblivious of the sound moral upbringing and high academic reputation of the Vice Chancellor, Engr. Professor Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu.

"They are purely on a mission of tainting the enviable records of the vice chancellor, which has made him an asset of inestimable value not just to Ebiraland and Kogi State but the entire country, Nigeria," the group stated..

The association, therefore urged the university authority to unmask such individuals and show them the way out of the services in the institution.

The group added: "From our knowledge of who Engr Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu is, we make bold to say that the allegations of corruption, sexual harassment, and other sundry issues raised in the "ghost" petitions are products of corruption fighting back.

"Since those who have compromised and made huge gains from systems will always feel threatened when the right things are done.

"We know Professor Abdulrahman to be a man of high integrity whose commitment to upholding the values of the university and the Government of Kogi State is unquestionable.

"His exemplary service to the university and the state has earned him the admiration and respect of the government and the academic community.

"His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of education and his unwavering loyalty to the government, bestowed upon him the title of Deputy Chief Servant of the State. 

"The Kogi State House of Assembly has openly commended his leadership, with a letter of commendation issued during one of their recent plenary session.

"We, therefore implored the State government to fish out those behind the baseless allegations and deal decisively with the perpetrators..

"The government must stop them before turn the cherished asset, CUSTECH, into a theatre of gossip and rumour mongering with it’s attendant adverse effects on the academic progress that the institution is currently making". 

By Stephen Adeleye