Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has approved automatic employment for the best-graduating students from all faculties of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara.
In recognition of academic excellence, the governor announced automatic employment for the best graduating students from each faculty, saying “Their hard work deserves recognition,”
Governor Ododo who stated this on Saturday during the maiden combined convocation ceremony held at the premises of the university commended former Governor Yahaya Bello for establishing the institution.
The governor also commended the pioneer students and staff of CUSTECH for their resilience and commitment, noting that their achievements have validated the efforts put into establishing the citadel of learning.
He assured that his administration would continue to support the institution, despite limited resources, emphasizing the crucial role universities play in human capital development.
“Our goal is to place our three state-owned universities among the leading centres of excellence in Nigeria and as such we will continue to support the institutions to serve our people and Nigerians at large”
Speaking on security of the State , Governor Ododo pledged continued government action to deal with any security threats and assured students and staff of a safe environment for teaching and learning.
He urged the management of CUSTECH to intensify efforts toward achieving global recognition through innovative research and solutions to societal problems.
Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely intervention during the abduction of CUSTECH students earlier in the year.
Chancellor of CUSTECH, HRH Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, praised the state government for its support and encouraged graduates to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible citizenship.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdurahman Asipita Salawu, described the maiden convocation as a remarkable achievement for the young institution.
He revealed that CUSTECH now offers 56 NUC-approved programmes across 44 departments, eight faculties, and one college, serving more than 5,000 students, re-affirming that all 266 graduates successfully completed their programmes.
SPEECH DELIVERED BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE, AT THE FIRST CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF THE CONFLUENCE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (CUSTECH), OSARA,
PROTOCOLS.
1. Today, history is made. I am not the only beneficiary of this historic moment , we all are. Every son and daughter of Kogi State, and indeed every Nigerian who believes in the power of education, should share in the glory of this day. This convocation is a testimony of faith, vision, and continuity.
2. When the idea of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, was first conceived, some thought it was a distant dream. But His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, the pathfinder of modern Kogi, believed it was possible. He put his vision, the resources of the state, and his will behind it. Today, that dream stands tall and dignified in academic glory.
3. We inherited that dream, and by the grace of God, we are flying with it, improving the structures, broadening the scope, and raising the standard to make CUSTECH a world-class institution of learning. This is another success story of continuity and consolidation. Congratulations to the people of Kogi State!
4. Let me at this point pay glowing tribute to the immediate past Governor of our State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, who saw today four years ago. He dreamt of a future in which Kogi youth would have unhindered access to quality science and technology education. He pursued that dream with uncommon courage and commitment. The success we celebrate today is dedicated to his vision, determination, and foresight in nurturing CUSTECH to fruition.
5. This university was founded to expand access to quality science and technology education for our teeming young population who, for years, faced challenges securing admission into existing universities. CUSTECH was therefore conceived as a solution to create more opportunities and to empower our youth with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
6. In the last 21 months, we have invested massively to make this university not only a citadel of learning but also a model of beauty, security, and functionality. We have sustained the massive investment in the future of our children which was started by His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
7. We have completed the internal road network to ensure smooth movement across the campus and to beautify the learning environment. Several academic and administrative structures have been completed, while more are under construction to expand capacity for new programmes.
8. Specifically, the 350-capacity male and female hostels have been completed, providing comfortable accommodation for our students. The Computing and Informatics Building has also been completed, reinforcing our drive toward a technology-oriented learning environment. Work is ongoing on the Senate Building, the Library Building, the Basic Medicine and Health Twin Lecture Theatre, and the Engineering Complex, all of which began in 2022 and have continued to receive substantial funding from the present administration. These projects collectively represent our shared commitment to building a university that every Kogite can be proud of.
9. We have completed the perimeter fencing, defining the identity of the institution and ensuring the safety of our students and staff. Beyond that, we have installed surveillance cameras and world-class security gadgets across the campus, supported by trained personnel, to guarantee that every student can learn in peace and confidence. Government remains committed to sustaining a safe and conducive environment for learning across all our tertiary institutions.
10. One of our proudest moments as a government is the successful accreditation of the MBBS programme of this university. This is a landmark achievement, and we are particularly delighted that the CUSTECH Teaching Hospital, Okene, was designed and built to serve this purpose. With world-class facilities and competent professionals, we are raising a new generation of medical scientists and health practitioners who will serve humanity with skill, compassion, and patriotism.
11. I commend the National Universities Commission (NUC) for its guidance and support through timely accreditation. Let me also seize this opportunity to commend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its remarkable interventions in the growth and transformation of this institution. Through the 2021 Special High-Impact and Normal Annual Interventions, as well as the 2023 and 2025 interventions, TETFund has significantly reshaped the infrastructural and academic landscape of CUSTECH. The construction and furnishing of two suspended floors for the Faculties of Environmental Technology, Science and Management, and Social Sciences have been completed, providing modern facilities that enhance learning and research outcomes for our students and faculty.
12. In addition, the completion of the 500-capacity Lecture Theatre and the acquisition of a 200KVA generator have further strengthened academic operations and improved the overall campus experience. Ongoing projects such as the Central Engineering Workshop, the Department of Anatomy, and the Senate Building are redefining the architectural outlook of the university while expanding its capacity for excellent training, scientific exploration, and innovation. We remain deeply grateful for these strategic interventions that continue to advance the cause of higher education in Kogi State.
13. This university was established to answer a critical question: How do we prepare our young people for the realities of the modern economy? Kogi State is fast emerging as the industrial hub of Nigeria. We host the largest cement factory in Africa, with another giant cement company already producing in the state. The revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company is on the horizon. Kogi is also becoming a destination for energy harvest, and our land is blessed with abundant mineral resources that must be harnessed responsibly and expertly.
14. To sustain these developments, we need men and women with technical competence: engineers, scientists, innovators, and technologists. That is why CUSTECH was established. It is a strategic response to the rising demand for skilled professionals to drive our industrial growth.
15. In addition, we are giving strong attention to Agricultural Science and Technology, because agriculture remains one of Kogi’s greatest comparative advantages. Our ambition is to make Kogi the food hub of Nigeria, and the knowledge produced here will drive that transformation.
16. We are also equipping our students with skills for the future. The world is digital, and we are determined not to be left behind. Through programmes in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, and Information Technology, CUSTECH is producing graduates who will compete and lead in the global digital economy.
17. Our young people are being prepared not just to find jobs but to create opportunities, to innovate, and to secure Nigeria’s cyberspace.
18. Permit me at this point to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, a leader with a father’s heart. Mr. President, when some of our students were abducted, you stood solidly with us. You mobilized the entire security architecture of the nation to ensure their safe return.
19. Without your intervention and the untiring dedication of the National Security Adviser, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, with the courageous support of our local hunters, we might have been mourning instead of rejoicing today.
20. Sadly, while the majority of the students were rescued, we lost two of our beloved students in that tragic incident. Their loss was devastating, and today, we pause to remember them. We honour their memory and pray for the continued repose of their souls. May their sacrifice remind us of the value of vigilance and the sacred duty we owe our young people, to keep them safe as they pursue their dreams.
21. Some of the students graduating here today could have been in the hands of the enemies of progress, but because of your decisive leadership, they are alive, free, and graduating with pride. Mr. President, Kogi State says thank you.
22. Beyond that, your administration has continued to support education by making more resources available to the states. I am indeed fortunate to be serving my people under your leadership.
23. As a government, we remain committed to the growth of all our tertiary institutions. Our vision is to make the three state universities, spread across the three senatorial districts, centres of excellence that will produce knowledge, innovation, and practical solutions to national challenges.
24. To our dear graduating students, the stars of today, I say congratulations! You have worked hard and earned your degrees. The world now awaits your contribution. Remember, your certificates are not just paper; they are licences to serve humanity, tools to build society, and instruments to lead with integrity. As you leave these walls, be good ambassadors of the Confluence University of Science and Technology and of Kogi State.
25. Your success will be the pride of your families, your university, and your state. Be disciplined, innovative, and patriotic. Never stop learning, because the world belongs to those who keep improving themselves.
26. As a demonstration of our commitment to reward excellence, I am pleased to grant automatic employment to the best-graduating student in each faculty. Your hard work deserves recognition, and we are proud of you.
27. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today we celebrate a university that began as a vision and has now become a symbol of hope. We celebrate our collective resolve to build a state where education drives development, where learning meets industry, and where dreams meet opportunities. I congratulate the management of this great institution for your distinguished service and dedication to the greatness of CUSTECH as you continue to serve humanity.
28. Let me also appreciate the parents and guardians for their trust and sacrifices, and the host community for their cooperation and support to the university. I call on well-meaning individuals, organizations, and philanthropists to partner with government by sponsoring research, endowing projects, and supporting infrastructure. Together, we can place CUSTECH among the best in Africa.
29. Let us continue to work together to make CUSTECH a true centre of excellence for Kogi, Nigeria, and Africa. Congratulations once again to the Governing Council, the management, the staff, and the students of CUSTECH. Congratulations to Kogi State. May this convocation mark the beginning of greater things to come.
Thank you, and God bless the Confluence University of Science and Technology.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
HE Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo
Executive Governor, Kogi State
29th November, 2025
kogistate.gov.ng