The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially signed a bill converting the Reference Hospital in Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital. This move solidifies the foundation for the university’s newly approved medical programs, including the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, during a press briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday. Fanwo highlighted that the conversion aligns with the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) recent approval of full-time medical programs at CUSTECH, emphasizing the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare and medical education in the state.

He credited the successful transition to collaborative efforts between the university, the State Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education, applauding the State House of Assembly for passing the bill into law. Fanwo also emphasized that the teaching hospital is outfitted with cutting-edge medical technology, positioning it to produce world-class healthcare professionals.

“The state-of-the-art facilities, some of which are appearing for the first time in Africa, will provide an enabling environment for the training of medical experts who will serve Kogi State and beyond,” he stated.