Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has signed a bill transforming the state-of-the-art Reference Hospital in Okene into the Teaching Hospital for the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH).
The announcement was made in Lokoja on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, during a press briefing.
Fanwo stated that the move aligns with the National Universities Commission’s approval for CUSTECH to offer a full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, along with other medical courses. He emphasized that this step establishes a strong foundation for the program’s commencement.
“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 focus on healthcare, noting that the former Reference Hospital, now the CUSTECH Teaching Hospital, is outfitted with state-of-the-art medical facilities, including some being introduced 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 emphasized the administration’s dedication to advancing healthcare and education, describing the signing as a pivotal step in the state’s development. He also extended appreciation to the State House of Assembly for their collaborative efforts in achieving this landmark milestone.
With the bill now enacted, CUSTECH is set to officially launch its MBBS program.