Prof Salawu’s Transformational Leadership Positions CUSTECH as North Central’s Fast-Growing University – Ochu

By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.

The Vice-Chancellor, Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Engr. Prof. Abulrahman Asipita Salawu, has been commended for transforming the institution into one of the fastest-growing and most sought-after universities in Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone.

Speaking at the Annual Get-Together of the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum (KCTTF) held in Lokoja on Wednesday, Mr. Austin Ochu, Public Relations Officer of CUSTECH, said Prof. Salawu’s forthrightness, diligence and resourcefulness have repositioned the university as a “destination of choice” within less than six years of its establishment.

Ochu noted that under Prof. Salawu’s leadership, CUSTECH has recorded remarkable academic expansion, currently running 58 programmes across nine faculties.

According to him, the rapid growth reflects deliberate planning, strong administrative drive and a commitment to academic excellence.

“Within a short period of less than six years, CUSTECH has grown into one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, with 58 programmes spread across nine faculties, including the Faculty of Medical Sciences,” Ochu said.

He added that the recently approved Faculty of Law has admitted its first set of students, further broadening the academic scope of the institution and strengthening its capacity to meet the educational needs of Kogi State and the nation at large.

Highlighting the university’s strategic partnerships, Ochu disclosed that Prof. Salawu’s transformational leadership has attracted several local and international collaborations.

Among them, he said, is the establishment of one of the six rollout centres of the Barefoot Renewable Energy College by the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

The global innovation centre focuses on alternative and renewable energy solutions,he added.

Ochu further revealed that the university is also hosting a model Veterinary Hospital,established under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project.

The facility serves as a centre for veterinary clinical services, training and research aimed at enhancing animal health and boosting livestock productivity in Kogi State, according to him.

Ochu explained that these initiatives underscore the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of aligning the university’s academic offerings with practical solutions that address societal and economic challenges.

He said the growing reputation of CUSTECH under Prof. Salawu has earned him national recognition, noting that the Vice-Chancellor is among the 20 university leaders shortlisted for the Tell Communications Ltd Integrity in Leadership Award scheduled for next month.

Ochu described the recognition as a testament to Prof. Salawu’s transparent leadership style and unwavering commitment to institutional growth and integrity.

The CUSTECH spokesman reaffirmed the university management’s resolve to sustain its momentum in academic excellence, research innovation and community impact, stressing that the institution remains focused on contributing meaningfully to national development.

The Chairman of the Forum,Dr.Haroun Opotu Yussuff, commended the Custech Osara VC for the loudable achievements of his management so far pledged continued support of the Forum,in terms counseling and advice on the way forward for the university.

He thanked Prof.Salawu for his support for the development of the Forum and urged him not to relent in such gesture.