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Game-Changer in Nigerian Healthcare: Kogi Governor Transforms Hospital into CUSTECH Teaching Facility

By Achimi muktar 

In a move set to revolutionize medical education and healthcare in Nigeria, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has signed a landmark bill transforming the state-of-the-art Reference Hospital in Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital.

The announcement, made during a press briefing by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja, signals a bold step in enhancing the state’s healthcare and education sectors. The decision follows the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) approval for CUSTECH to offer a full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program and other medical courses.

Setting the Stage for Excellence

“This achievement is the culmination of months of strategic collaboration between CUSTECH, the State Ministry of Health, and the State Ministry of Education,” Fanwo revealed. “We commend the State House of Assembly for their decisive action in passing the bill, now signed into law by Governor Ododo.”

The transformation of the Reference Hospital into a teaching facility comes with significant upgrades. According to Fanwo, the hospital boasts cutting-edge medical technology, some of which are appearing in Africa for the first time, ensuring that students and healthcare professionals have access to world-class resources.

“With this development, CUSTECH will produce exceptional healthcare professionals equipped to serve not only Kogi State but the nation and beyond,” he added.

A Milestone in Kogi’s Development

The establishment of the teaching hospital is part of the state government’s broader strategy to prioritize healthcare and education, two critical pillars of societal growth. Fanwo described the move as a historic milestone, reflecting the administration’s vision for long-term development.

“Governor Ododo’s administration has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing the welfare of Kogi’s citizens,” Fanwo said. “This initiative is yet another testament to the administration’s resolve to provide quality healthcare and education.”

The Commissioner expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for their role in making this achievement possible, emphasizing the collective effort involved in turning the vision into reality.

A Bright Future for Medical Education in Kogi

With the signing of the bill, CUSTECH is now positioned to commence its MBBS program on a solid foundation. The integration of the teaching hospital into the university’s framework ensures a seamless blend of academic excellence and practical training, setting a new benchmark for medical education in Nigeria.

As Kogi State steps into a new era of innovation and progress, the transformation of the Reference Hospital into a teaching facility underscores the state’s commitment to empowering future generations. For Governor Ododo, this achievement is more than a milestone—it’s a legacy of transformation for healthcare and education in Kogi State.