The Kogi State Government has reiterated its dedication to boosting medical education and upgrading healthcare delivery across the state following a joint inspection of infrastructure projects at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital in Okene.
The inspection exercise, conducted by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, alongside his counterpart in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Taiye Abanika, served to evaluate ongoing developments designed to support clinical training, advanced medical research, and enhanced patient care services.
Speaking during the tour, Hon. Fanwo characterized the expansion as a practical demonstration of governance continuity and “vision extension.” He observed that while the immediate past administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello established the facility as the Reference Hospital, the present administration led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has built upon that foundation by expanding its infrastructure to meet the rigorous demands of medical education and specialized clinical services.
Expressing satisfaction with the standard of work, Fanwo detailed the features of the medical students’ hostels and doctors’ quarters, noting that the accommodation units are fitted with spacious living quarters, dedicated reading areas, wardrobes, private bathrooms, solar power installations, and high-speed internet connectivity.
He clarified that while preclinical students remain housed at the main CUSTECH campus in Osara, the Okene facility is strategically located near the teaching hospital to accommodate students advancing to their clinical training phases.
Highlighting the critical role of the newly built doctors’ quarters, Fanwo emphasized that housing medical staff within close proximity to the hospital complex would drastically reduce emergency response times and facilitate round-the-clock patient care. He noted that providing top-tier living and working conditions forms a core part of the state’s strategy to attract, recruit, and retain highly qualified medical personnel in Kogi State.
The Information Commissioner disclosed that the infrastructure boost at CUSTECH Teaching Hospital forms part of a broader, state-wide campaign to overhaul healthcare and educational infrastructure, making reference to similar ongoing projects at the Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital in Anyigba. He affirmed that the ultimate goal of these investments is to train world-class doctors capable of competing globally, while charging current medical students to reciprocate government efforts through academic excellence.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Taiye Abanika, commended the quality and design of the residential quarters, describing the complex as far superior to standard student housing. Abanika assured that the housing design specifically addresses the rigorous lifestyle demands of clinical medical students and doctors, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort, proximity, and functionality.
