Protocols
It gives me immense joy, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility to deliver this press briefing during the Maiden Convocation Ceremony of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara. today.
This convocation is 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.
Background for the Establishment of the University
Our legendary and visionary leader, the former Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, swiftly rose to the challenge of providing opportunity for thousands of Kogites yearning for higher education, yet confronted with limited opportunities for University placement by assenting to the Act of the State House of Assembly on 20th August 2020, thus announcing the birth of the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.
The mandate of CUSTECH is clear:
To train highly skilled human resources in science, engineering, computing, applied sciences, and related disciplines.
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.
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. These programmes are shown on the Table below:
S/N
Faculty
Programme
1
Engineering
(11)
Agricultural Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Marine Engineering
Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Mining Engineering
Petroleum and Gas Engineering
2
Computing and Informatics
(5)
Computer Science
Cyber Security
Information Technology
Library and Information Science
Software Engineering
3
Science
(9)
Applied Geophysics
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Geology
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Statistics
4
Medical and Health Science (7)
Human Anatomy
Medical Laboratory Science
Medicine and Surgery
Nursing Science
Physiology
Physiotherapy
Radiography
5
Agricultural Science (1)
Agriculture
6
Environmental Sciences
(5)
Architecture
Building
Geography
Surveying and Geoinformatics
Urban and Regional Planning
7
Science and Technology Education
(12)
Biology Education
Building Technology Education
Chemistry Education
Computer Science Education
Electrical and Electronics Technology Education
Geography Education
Mathematics Education
Mechanical (Automobile) Education
Metal Work Technology Education
Physics Education
Technology/Technical Education
WoodworksTechnology Education.
8
Management and Social Sciences
(6)
Accounting
Actuarial Science
Business Administration
Economics
Human Resources Management
Transport and Logistics Management
9
Law
(1)
Law
Ladies and Gentlemen, this outstanding expansion — achieved within just five years— places our institution among the fastest-growing universities in Nigeria.
These achievements have been made possible through massive investments by the State Government 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.
Analysis of the First and Second Sets of Graduands
Statistical Overview of Graduands
I am pleased to announce that at this maiden convocation, the University is graduating a total of 132 students from the pioneer set (2023/2024), and 134 from the second set (2024/2025).
A breakdown of the statistics by faculties and Class of Degrees is shown in the Tables below:
Pioneer Set of 2023/2024 Graduands:
Faculties
1st Class
2nd Class Upper
2nd Class Lower
3rd Class
Pass
Total
Faculty of Computing & Informatics
6
38
7
Nil
Nil
51
Faculty of Science
10
47
24
Nil
Nil
81
Total Per Degree Classification
16
85
31
Nil
Nil
132
2nd Set of 2024/2025 Graduands
Faculties
1st Class
2nd Class Upper
2nd Class Lower
3rd Class
Pass
Total
Faculty of Computing & Informatics
10
27
29
7
Nil
73
Faculty of Science
5
26
21
9
Nil
61
Total Per Degree Classification
15
53
50
16
Nil
134
These numbers, though modest by the standards of older universities, are a testimony to rapid growth, quality assurance, and the determination of our students to succeed. It is particularly heartwarming that Thirty-One (31) students, representing 11.65%, graduated with First Class Honours in this Maiden Combined Convocation — a testament to both the brilliance of our students and the dedication of our faculty.
Partnership, Linkages and Institutional Collaboration
No university exists in isolation. The strength of a modern university is often measured by the breadth and depth of its partnerships. Therefore, our doors are always open to collaboration, linkages, and partnerships as part of our efforts 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.
Physical Infrastructural Development
A university without infrastructure is a mere idea. Since its founding, CUSTECH has prioritized the development of world-class infrastructures. Some notable infrastructural developments in CUSTECH among others are as follows:
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Sponsored Projects
S/N
Project Title
Year and Description
Status
1
Construction & Furnishing of 2-suspended floors for the Faculty of Environmental Technology
2021 TETFund Special high-impact interventions
Completed
2
Construction & Furnishing of 2-suspended floors for the Faculty of Science
2021 TETFund Special high-impact interventions
Completed
3
Construction & Furnishing of 2-suspended floors for the Faculty of Management and Social Science
2021 TETFund Special high-impact interventions
Completed
4
Construction & Furnishing of 500-capacity Lecture Theatre
2021 TETFund Normal Annual interventions
Completed
5
Purchase of 200KVA Generator Set
2021/2023 merged TETFund interventions
Completed
6
Construction of Central Engineering Workshop
2023 TETFund Normal interventions
On-going
7
Construction of the Department of Anatomy
2025 TETFund Annual intervention
On-going
University and State Government’s Sponsored Projects
S/N
Project Title
Funded by
Status
1
Library Building
Kogi State Government
Completed
2
Senate Building
Kogi State Government
Near completion
3
Basic Medicine & Health, Twin Lecture Theatre
Kogi State Government
Completed
4
Computing and Informatics
Kogi State Government
Completed
5
Engineering Complex
University
Near completion
6
Construction of Road Network
University
Completed
7
Construction of a 350-capacity male hostel
Kogi State Government
Completed
8
Construction of a 350-capacity Female hostel
Kogi State Government
Completed
9
33 KVA Power Supply from Okene Substation
Kogi State Government
Completed
10
Kogi Model Veterinary Hospital
Kogi State Government
Just Started
11
350 Capacity Student Hostel
Public Private Partnership
Near completion
12
Fencing of 100 ha (Out of 400 ha) of school land
Kogi State Government
Completed
13
Construction of the University Sick Bay
Kogi State Government
Near completion
14
Installation of CCTV Cameras across the campus
Kogi State Government
Completed
In addition to the above, the university procured an industrial fire-fighting truck, two Marcopolo buses, two coastal buses, and a good number of Jeeps and Toyota Hilux.
Challenges Facing the University
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we celebrate our achievements, it is also important to speak frankly about the challenges we face as a young, fast-growing institution. These challenges, though significant, are not insurmountable. They call for sustained partnership, support, and strategic planning.
Land Encroachment and the Urgent Need for Complete Perimeter Fencing
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, one of the most pressing challenges currently facing the University is land encroachment. At establishment, CUSTECH was allocated 400 hectares of land by the State Government. At a crucial time, the Government provided funds to fence 100 hectares, for which we remain deeply grateful.
However, soon after the fenced area was completed, land grabbers began encroaching on the remaining 300 hectares, falsely claiming that the University had fenced portions of their land. Unfortunately, the remaining 300 hectares were deliberately reserved for critical future projects — including the University Farm, the Agricultural Research Centre, and areas designated for the University’s future expansion. The encroachment on this land, therefore, poses a direct threat to our long-term vision and to the fulfilment of our academic mandate, particularly in agricultural and environmental research.
The University has had to demolish several illegal structures. In the process, management and staff have faced threats and harassment from encroachers who have even attempted to disrupt our academic activities.
While we continue to protect our boundaries, a permanent solution is now imperative. We therefore appeal to the Kogi State Government, development partners, and well-meaning individuals to assist us in fencing the entire 400 hectares of university land to forestall future encroachment.
We also appeal to our traditional rulers to call their subjects to order. The Government and University Management will not fold their arms while public educational land is unlawfully taken over. Let it be known that anyone caught will face the full weight of the law.
Distinguished guests, securing the University’s land is not just about protecting property—it is about safeguarding the future of science, innovation, and human capital development in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
Inadequate Hostel Accommodation
Our student population has grown far beyond initial projections. At present, only about 15% of our students can be accommodated on campus. The remaining majority rely on nearby communities for lodging, which sometimes exposes them to transportation and security challenges. Expanding hostel capacity is one of our top infrastructural priorities, and we are exploring Public–Private Partnership (PPP) models to fast-track the construction of additional hostels.
Non-Availability of Banks on Campus
The absence of banking services on our campus creates a serious inconvenience for staff and students who must travel several kilometres for basic financial transactions. In today’s digital economy, the presence of at least one commercial bank and ATM gallery within the University is indispensable. We are appealing to banks, good-spirited individuals, and organisations to come to our aid and establish a banking hall and a digital financial centre on campus as soon as possible.
Lack of Staff Quarters
As an institution in a developing area, the lack of staff quarters has made it difficult for many academic and administrative staff to live near campus. This affects work convenience and reduces the number of available staff contact hours with students. Plans are already underway to commence the phased development of modern staff housing by private developers.
Need for a Pedestrian Bridge
The main access road that divides parts of our campus has become a serious pedestrian safety concern. We urgently need a pedestrian bridge to ensure safe crossings for our students and staff. We appeal to the Kogi State Government and philanthropic individuals to support the construction of this vital safety infrastructure.
Provision of a Tractor for Academic and Research Use
Our programmes in Agricultural Science, Engineering, and Environmental Sciences require functional tractors and field machinery for teaching, demonstration, and research. The absence of this essential equipment limits practical exposure. Acquiring at least one modern tractor would greatly enhance hands-on training and field-based research. Additionally, the use of a tractor for campus clearing could also be an added advantage.
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
CUSTECH Endowment Fund
I stand before you today with utmost humility to solicit the generous support of the eminent personalities and public-spirited individuals gathered here today to donate generously to the CUSTECH Endowment Fund.
Towards this end, I am happy to inform you that the pioneer council members, ably led by our Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, and members of the management team, led by my humble self, have pledged the award of prizes in various categories to the graduating students as follows:
S/N
Name of Award
Amount (₦)
Duration
Sponsor
1
Best Overall Engineering Student
100,000.00
5 Years
Pro-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi
2
Best Overall Medical Student
100,000.00
5 Years
Pro-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi
3
Overall Best Graduating Student
250,000.00
5 Years
Vice-Chancellor, Engr Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu
4
Hajiya Fatima Momoh’s Best Graduating Female Student
100,000.00
10 Years
Vice-Chancellor, Engr Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu
5
Best Chemical Engineering Student
100,000.00
5 Years
Engr Prof. Abdulkarim Salawu Ahmed
6
Best Mining Engineering Student
50,000.00
5 Years
Engr Dr Shehu, Shaib Abdulazeez
7
Best Graduating Student in Education
200,000.00
5 Years
Dr Yomi Sunday
8
Best Graduating Student in Law
100,000.00
5 Years
Registrar, Ms Olufunke Hudson
9
Best Graduating Student in Business Administration
50,000.00
5 Years
Pastor Ekele Shaibu
10
Best Graduating Student in Business Statistics
50,000.00
5 Years
Mr. Salami Ere Mathew
11
Best Graduating Student in Library and Information Science
100,000.00
5 Years
University Librarian, Mr Jeremiah Salifu
12
Best Graduating Student in Building
100,000.00
5 Years
Bldr Ismaila Ibrahim Adoke
13
Best Graduating Student in Nursing Science
100,000.00
5 Years
Fati Aliyu-Ohiare
14
Best Graduating Student in Agricultural Science
100,000.00
5 Years
Prof. Olusegun Adeyemi
15
Best Student in Accounting
100,000.00
5 Years
University Bursar, Mr John Alaji
16
2nd Best Student in Accounting
80,000.00
5 Years
University Bursar, Mr John Alaji
17
3rd Best Student in Accounting
50,000.00
5 Years
University Bursar, Mr John Alaji
18
Best Graduating Student in Life Sciences
50,000.00
5 Years
Dr. Daniel O. Apeh
19
Best Graduating Student in Mathematics Education
50,000.00
5 Years
Dr. Ahmed Enrji
20
Best Graduating Female Student in Medical Sciences
100,000.00
3 Years
Prof. Abubakar Salisu Abdullahi
Appreciation
I must express profound appreciation to:
The Visitor and Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh. 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.
Conclusion
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this maiden convocation is a historic one. It is the dawn of a tradition that will endure for generations to come. The first and second sets of graduands have opened the gates; many more will follow.
As Vice-Chancellor, I reaffirm my commitment, and that of the entire university community, to making CUSTECH a world-class institution where knowledge meets innovation, where research solves problems, and where graduates make a positive impact on lives.
I congratulate our graduands once again and wish you success in all your future endeavours.
Long live CUSTECH!
Long live Kogi State!!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Thank you, and God bless you all.
Engr Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, FNSE, FNIMMME, FNMS, R.Engr (COREN)
Vice-Chancellor.
