History will be made at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State, on Saturday, November 29, 2025 when the university will hold its maiden combined convocation ceremony.
On that day, the university will be graduating 132 students from the pioneer set (2023/2024), and 134 from the second set (2024/2025).
At the epoch making event, 266 pioneer students; First and Second Sets of Graduands will be awarded various class of degrees.
Speaking on the maiden combined convocation ceremony scheduled to hold at the university’s main campus, Osara, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, described the coming event “as a public manifestation of the Faith, Vision, and Investment of the Government, Management, Council Members, Staff, Students, Parents, and the entire Kogi State Community in the noble enterprise of higher education.
Salawu, who spoke at a press conference on Wednesday to usher in the celebration commended former Governor Yahaya Bello for his leadership, vision and determination which he said led to the establishment of CUSTECH five years ago.
Right from inception, he said the university was given a clear mandate to train highly skilled human resources in science, engineering, computing, applied sciences, and related disciplines.
Salawu, said that the mandate also empowered the university to “engage in cutting-edge research that addresses the immediate developmental needs of Kogi State, Nigeria, and the wider world.
“To foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving skills among students, making them creators of opportunities rather than mere seekers of jobs.”
The Vice Chancellor expressed delight that five years down the line, CUSTECH has been able to justify its existence by fulfilling the mandate to the satisfaction of its founding fathers.
“Today, only five short years later, we stand proudly as living proof that the vision was right, the effort worthwhile, and the timing divine.
“The University has not only taken off – it has soared.
“With a growing array of professional programmes, vibrant academic culture, and transformational partnerships, we are already fulfilling the mandate entrusted to us.”
“At the inception of the academic activities, CUSTECH has two faculties with eleven (11) foundation programmes as follows : Faculty of Sciences: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics,Microbiology,Physics, and Statistics.
“Faculty of Computing and Informatics: Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology, and Software Engineering.
“Today, with great pride, I announce that our University is home to 57 approved academic programmes, 44 academic departments, 8 faculties, and 1 College, with over 5,000 students enrolled – even though most of these programmes are professional courses with controlled enrolment,” he explained.
The Vice Chancellor attributed the university’s outstanding expansion within just five years to the massive investments by its main promoter, the Kogi State Government.
He explained that the massive investment has manifested in “physical infrastructure, modern laboratories, digital facilities, lecture theatres, staff offices, student hostels, and the beautiful campus environment we see today.
“It is against this backdrop of vision and growth that we gather today to witness the graduation of the first and second sets of students — the very first fruits of the CUSTECH dream.”
He told newsmen that 31 students, representing 11.65%, will be graduating with First Class Honours in this Maiden Combined Convocation, describing the feat as “a testament to both the brilliance of our students and the dedication of our faculty.
Salawu, was also full of praises for some corporate organisations for their assistances and collaborations with the university in its quest to become one of the world’s leading universities of high repute.
‘The University signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and entered into bilateral agreements with the following organisations for staff and student training : Power Equipment and Electrical Machinery Development Institute (PEEMADI), Okene, Kogi State — an institute under the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute of Vocational and Advanced Technology (NKFI), Lokoja.
“Unicane Industries Limited, Lokoja
National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO), Itakpe.
“Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), Ajaokuta, Mangal Cement Company, Kogi State.
“The Kogi State Livestock Production and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L-PRES) : commercialisation of pasture production for export under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
“Energy Commission of Nigeria: Establishment of Barefoot Renewable Energy College, and Provision of Hydrogen Energy.
“NSE-MIDAS IT Partnership: This is a partnership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) with MIDAS IT of India for Quality Engineering Education.
“This partnership provides CUSTECH (and 14 other Nigerian Universities) with access to academic software licenses valued at USD 17,437,500.
“Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis and Onchocerciasis Research (NITR), Kaduna.
“Through these partnerships and collaborations, we aim to place CUSTECH at the heart of the global knowledge economy,” he said.
On the physical infrastructural development of the university, Salawu said CUSTECH has since inception prioritized the development of world-class infrastructures, leading to the establishment of 21
TETFund, state government and university sponsored projects among others.
He, however, listed the challenges facing the university to include land encroachment by land grabbers and the urgent need for complete perimeter fencing.
He also mentioned inadequate hostel accommodation, non-availability of banks on campus, lack of staff quarters, need for a pedestrian bridge and provision of a tractor for academic and research use as other urgent needs of the university.
“These challenges, though real, are being tackled progressively.
“With the continued support of our government, stakeholders, and friends of the University, we are confident that CUSTECH will overcome them and emerge stronger, ” he stated.
Salawu, also solicited the generous support of the eminent personalities and public-spirited individuals to the CUSTECH Endowment Fund.
As part of activities of the combined convocation ceremony, he announced that the pioneer council members, ably led by the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, and members of the management team led by himself, have pledged to award prizes in various categories to the graduating students.
The Vice Chancellor , while congratulating the students and their parents, appreciated the Visitor to the university,
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support.
“He did not just sustain the legacies of his predecessor, who established the University, but also built upon them. His Excellency, the former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Yahaya Bello, CON, for his vision in establishing CUSTECH, and for allowing me to serve as the Vice-Chancellor of the University.
“Engr. Prof. Salawu Sadiku and his pioneer management team for laying a solid foundation for the University.
“The Chancellor, His Royal Majesty, Barr. Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II (JP), Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, and Members of Governing Council for their sacrifices, cooperation, and commitment to the growth and development of the University.
“Members of the Senate, Staff, and Students for their dedication and understanding, parents and guardians, whose sacrifices and determinations have made this day possible.
“Our Partners and Donors, who have believed in the CUSTECH vision.
Above all, to Almighty Allah for His divine mercies, guidance, protection, and provision.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
