By Ibrahim Obansa
The Kogi State Government has intensified efforts to boost medical education and healthcare delivery, reaffirming its commitment to securing Clinical Accreditation for the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital, Okene, from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
This assurance was given by the commissioner for health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, during a two-day Joint Committee Meeting held on April 10 and 11, 2026, at the teaching hospital in Okene, where he chaired proceedings.
Dr. Adeiza commended the leadership of CUSTECH, Osara, for its dedication to the successful take-off and steady growth of its College of Medicine.
He described the accreditation process as a pivotal step toward producing competent and highly skilled medical professionals, stressing that stronger collaboration between the university and the teaching hospital is essential to achieving the desired accreditation.
In his remarks, the vice chancellor of CUSTECH, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, acknowledged the foundational role played by former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello in initiating the construction of the teaching hospital.
He also lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support, which has been instrumental to the smooth take-off of the College of Medicine.
Prof. Salawu disclosed that the university has already admitted students into 100 and 200 levels of the MBBS programme, adding that management remains fully committed to meeting all requirements necessary for a successful accreditation exercise.
The chief medical director of the teaching hospital, Dr. Stephen Shuaibu, expressed appreciation to the state government for its sustained support, while appealing for additional assistance to enable the facility meet all MDCN standards.
Also speaking, the provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Solomon Avidime, expressed optimism that with continued government backing, the institution would successfully secure accreditation.
As part of preparations, members of the Joint Committee conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the hospital’s infrastructure and facilities to evaluate its readiness for the accreditation visit.
The meeting drew participation from key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Health, Mr. Maji Enoch; Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr. Barnabas Segun; Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Aiyedogbon Johnson; Chief Medical Director, Kogi State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Ayo Olayemi; and Director of Physical Planning and Development, CUSTECH, Bldr. Ismail Adoke, among others.
According to the information unit of the university, the renewed push by the Ododo administration reflects a broader agenda to position Kogi State as a centre for excellence in healthcare delivery and medical training in Nigeria.
