The Kogi State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening medical education and healthcare services by pledging full support for the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital, Okene, to obtain clinical accreditation from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
This assurance was given by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, during a two-day joint committee meeting held at the teaching hospital in Okene, where he presided as chairman.
Dr Abdulazeez lauded the management of CUSTECH, Osara, for its dedication to establishing and expanding the College of Medicine. He described the accreditation process as a vital step towards producing competent medical professionals within the state.
He further stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between the university and the teaching hospital, noting that effective synergy is crucial to achieving clinical accreditation.
The Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, acknowledged the contributions of former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for initiating the teaching hospital project.
He also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support, which has facilitated the successful take-off of the College of Medicine.
Prof. Salawu disclosed that the university has already admitted students into 100 and 200 levels for the MBBS programme, reaffirming management’s commitment to meeting all requirements necessary for accreditation.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the teaching hospital, Dr Stephen Shuaibu, expressed appreciation to the state government for its sustained support and appealed for additional assistance to help the hospital meet MDCN standards.
Similarly, the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Solomon Avidime, expressed optimism that the institution would achieve accreditation with continued government backing.
As part of efforts towards the accreditation exercise, members of the joint committee conducted an on-the-spot assessment of facilities at the teaching hospital to determine its readiness.
The meeting had in attendance top officials, including the Permanent Secretary, 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.
The renewed push by the Ododo administration highlights its broader vision of transforming Kogi State into a centre for quality healthcare delivery and medical training in Nigeria.
