By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh.
(C) Google.
The Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, on Saturday marked a defining milestone as 266 students graduated during its maiden convocation ceremony,an event that firmly positioned the young university among Nigeria’s fast-rising hubs of scientific and technological innovation.
Our Correspondent reports that the ceremony, held at the main campus in Osara, featured 132 graduates from the pioneer 2023/2024 academic session and 134 from the 2024/2025 cohort, reflecting the state’s sustained investment in modern, technology-driven education.
Addressing the convocation, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, described the moment as the realization of a long-held dream for the state.
“Today, that dream stands tall and dignified in academic growth.We inherited the vision and, by the grace of God, we have expanded the structure, broadened the scope, and raised the standard to make CUSTECH a world-class institution,” he declared.
Governor Ododo paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, whose foresight led to the establishment of the institution five years ago.
He highlighted major infrastructural developments that have transformed the university, including completed internal road networks, male and female hostels, an ongoing Senate building, a modern library, engineering complex, medical lecture theatres, CCTV installations, perimeter fencing, and enhanced security architecture.
“These projects reflect our shared commitment to building a university that every Kogite will be proud of,” he said.
A major announcement that drew thunderous applause was the federal government approval of the university’s MBBS programme, supported by its world-class Teaching Hospital.
Governor Ododo described the development as a step that would “raise a new generation of medical scientists and health practitioners who will serve humanity with skill, compassion, and patriotism.”
The governor also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention during the abduction of CUSTECH students earlier in 2025 .
He noted that some of the students graduating “could have been in the hands of enemies of progress,” praising the president’s decisive action that ensured their safe return and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives.
In a gesture that sparked wide celebration, Governor Ododo announced automatic employment for the best graduating students from each faculty, saying their hard work and perseverance deserved recognition.
The Chancellor of CUSTECH, HRH Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, the Onojie of Ewu, commended the state government for its support and urged the graduates to become ambassadors of innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible citizenship.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdurahman Asipita Salawu, described the convocation as a landmark achievement for the young institution.
He revealed that CUSTECH now operates 56 NUC-approved programmes across 44 departments, eight faculties, and one college, with a student population exceeding 5,000, affirming that 266 students successfully completed their academic requirements.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello, the founder of the institution, praised Governor Ododo for sustaining and expanding the vision that led to the establishment of three state universities under his administration.
Commenting on the current insecurity in the country Bello called on members of various strata of society in Nigerians to see the fight against kidnappers and other criminal elements in the country as a shared responsibility.
He commended Governor Ododo for his courageous fight against the criminals in the state and urged his colleagues to emulate him in tackling insecurity headlong.
According to him, Nigeria does not need external hands to assist her in fighting insecurity,adding that there are many able-bodied Nigerians that can fight and defeat the criminals.
The event also featured the presentation of cash awards to exceptional graduates.
The overall best graduating students,Omachonu Shedrack Chubiyo (2023/2024) and Ummulkhairi Oyiza Sheidu (2024/2025),expressed gratitude to God and the university and pledged to uphold the values of excellence and service in their future endeavors.
The historic ceremony drew the attention of a distinguished audience, including former governors l Idris Wada, the Minister of Steel Development, top government officials,traditional rulers, and other eminent dignitaries.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
