By Kehinde Erin
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has given his seal of approval to a bill that transforms the cutting-edge Reference Hospital in Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, made the announcement in Lokoja on Tuesday during a press briefing.
According to Fanwo, this move aligns perfectly with the National Universities Commission’s approval of a full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme at CUSTECH, ensuring the programme kicks off 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.
Governor Ododo stressed that healthcare is a top priority for his administration, highlighting that the newly transformed CUSTECH Teaching Hospital, formerly the Reference Hospital, boasts of cutting-edge medical facilities. What’s more impressive is that some of these state-of-the-art facilities are making their debut in Africa, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s healthcare landscape.
“With this development, CUSTECH will have cutting-edge medical technology to train outstanding healthcare professionals for Kogi State and beyond,” he added.
Fanwo further underscored the administration’s dedication to advancing healthcare and education in Kogi State. He hailed the signing of the bill as a monumental milestone in the State’s journey towards progress. Fanwo also extended his appreciation to the State House of Assembly for their collaborative efforts in making this historic achievement a reality.
The signing of the bill into law paves the way for the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) to formally launch its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, marking a significant leap forward in the institution’s academic journey.
