By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Recently, the Kogi State of House of Assembly passed a Bill for the establishment of the Confluence University of science and Technology,(CUST), Osara which was signed into law by the Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
Since the signing into law of the bill, the state government has been receiving accolades from various segments of the society in and outside the the state, particularly those from the central senatorial district of the state.
The latest being Engr. Stephen Raji,THE AMETUO OF EBIRA LAND, (DAUDU),who described the planned higher institution as a good development to happen in the life of the present administration in the state.
In a release signed by him and a copy available to The Reporters, an online publication in Lokoja on Tuesday, Raji expressed optimism that CUST, when operatiional, would bring about tremendous development to the state, interms of science and technology as well as economic and social development of the district and the state in general.
He said:”It will produce the needed technical manpower for Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd, National Iron-Ore and Mining Company, Itakpe, Cement Factory, Obajana and construction Industry and create employment and admission opportunities for Kogites.
“Render consultancy services to corporate Organizations, Government Agencies and industries.
“Boost social economic activities of the host community and Kogi State at large.
“Conduct research in Science, Technology and Engineering fields for rapid development and industrialization of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
“Be self-sustaining tertiary institution and proffer solutions to industrial and environmental problems apart from the training and research activities of the said specialized university.”
“In the same vein, the proposed reference hospital, Okene will bring healthcare services close to the grassroots in Kogi State, Central Senatorial district and North Central respectively.”
The community leader commended the State House of Assembly the for speedy passage of the bills establishing the university and that of the Central Reference Hospital, Okene as well as for the governor’s prompt assent to them.
“These are legacy projects that will stand the test of time in the history of Kogi State governance.
“The benefits of the proposed confluence University Science and technology at Osara cannot be over emphasized, when established,” he added.
Our correspondent reports that kogi state which was created on August 27,1991, currently has three universities: Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba and the Federal University as well as Salem University,(private),Lokoja among other higher institution of learning.
