Everything You Need To Know About Confluence University Of Science And Technology

Let me introduce you to one of Nigeria’s rising stars among state-owned universities. Confluence University of Science and Technology—fondly known as CUSTECH—was born out of Kogi State’s bold vision in 2020. Located in Osara, Adavi LGA, just about 40 km from Lokoja and 25 km from Okene, this institution is named after the famous confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue. It’s a symbolic setting—with education flowing into opportunity, just like water into two mighty rivers. The site for its permanent campus sprawls over 400 hectares, giving it ample space to grow into a major tech hub in the north‑central region.

Originally a farm centre and later a polytechnic campus, CUSTECH officially became a university in August 2020, following Kogi State Assembly and NUC approval. It is the third university in the state—after KSU and FUL—and holds the distinction of becoming Nigeria’s 51st state university. Since then, it has steadily built its academic reputation and expanded its offerings.

Exploring the Campus Setting

If you drive down the Lokoja–Okene–Abuja road, you’ll spot the beginnings of a modern university rising in Osara. While much is still under development, the campus already features administrative blocks, lecture theatres, laboratories, a library, and student hostels. There is a sense of quiet energy—lecturers preparing to inspire, students arriving for morning classes, and campus officials overseeing construction and security upgrades. Even though it’s not yet bustling like urban campuses, it is gradually transforming into a vibrant academic community.

CUSTECH sits in a location rich with ethnic diversity. Kogi State is home to Igala, Ebira, Okun, Bassa Nge, Gwari, Kakanda, and other communities. The result is a melting pot of Nigerian cultures converging on one campus—literally a confluence of people and ideas.

Who’s Leading the School?

Leadership matters, and CUSTECH has seen solid stewardship. Professor Salawu Sadiku, a renowned environmental consultant, served as the founding Vice Chancellor from 2020 to 2023. In December 2023, Professor Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, an expert in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, stepped in to lead the university’s next phase. Under his watch, new programmes such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering fields received full accreditation, and the teaching hospital project took off.

Academic Programmes: Courses That Matter

Aaronically, CUSTECH has made serious progress with NUC accreditation. As of 2024/2025, all major courses presented—over 50 programmes across eight faculties and 35+ departments—received approval. That’s no small feat for a young university.

Initially, the university offered core science and computing courses such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology, Mathematics, Statistics, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, and Information Technology. In 2024, it expanded to include Engineering disciplines (Computer, Marine, Chemical, Mining, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Petroleum & Gas, Mechatronics, Materials & Metallurgical), Environmental Sciences (Urban Planning, Architecture, Surveying, Geography), Management and Social Sciences (Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration), Allied and Clinical Health Sciences (Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Medical Lab Science, Physiotherapy, Radiography, Anatomy, Physiology), and Agriculture.

Imagine going from IT courses straight to Medicine and Law—all under the same state-run umbrella. That’s the ambition and scale we’re talking about.

Admission Requirements and Screening Process

Admission into CUSTECH follows national minimum standards but adds its own twists. UTME candidates must:

• Choose CUSTECH as their first choice,

• Score a minimum of 140 in JAMB UTME, with competitive courses (Medicine: 220; Nursing: 200; Computer Science or Cyber Security: 160),

• Upload O’Level results and choose correct subject combinations,

• Complete the online Post-UTME screening, which costs ₦2,000 and involves credentials upload and sometimes an aptitude test.

Direct Entry applicants—with A’Levels, JUPEB, ND, HND, or NCE—are eligible for 200-level entry if they meet departmental cut-offs and pass internal screening.

Paying for School: Fees Fit for Many

One of CUSTECH’s biggest selling points is affordability. Indigenes pay about ₦87,550 per session, while non-indigenes pay around ₦201,500. These fees cover tuition, registration, ICT levy, and minimal service charges; higher-cost programmes may incur small extra levies. The university even offers installment payment plans to ease financial burden. That’s rare for a Nigerian state university.(Latest jobs in Nigeria)

Hostel fees are reasonable, and the university offers on-campus lodging for those who prefer staying close to classes. Off-campus housing in nearby towns like Okene or Lokoja is also cheap and accessible.

Campus Life: More than Just Books

Despite being new, CUSTECH encourages student engagement beyond classrooms. There are student unions, departmental clubs, religious bodies, and sports teams. Even the Vice Chancellor’s Football Competition is a thing—sibling rivalry between faculties and departments teaching students discipline and fun in one package.

The presence of multiple faculties—including fast-growing colleges of Medicine and Engineering—gives the campus a colorful mix of ideas, interests, and aspirational vibes. Religious and cultural associations help students find community while developing soft skills and leadership.

Strengths That Set CUSTECH Apart

CUSTECH stands out because it combines ambition with affordability, diversity with discipline, and legacy with innovation. Being located in Kogi means it’s accessible to students from both northern and southern Nigeria. Its rapid NUC accreditation success places it among Nigeria’s better-performing new universities.

The leadership’s push to establish a teaching hospital, introduce top-tier courses like Medicine and Law, and invest in science and tech labs is a clear signal that this institution is serious. CUSTECH also benefits from the precedent and technical experience of previous institutions on the same land, giving it infrastructure and heritage to build upon.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Like any growing university, CUSTECH faces its share of hurdles. Hostels, labs, libraries, and staff capacities are still under development; administrative systems are being refined, and infrastructure expansion is ongoing. The tragedy of the May 2024 abduction—when some students were kidnapped during exams—was a reminder of security risks in the region, though subsequent government intervention and upgraded surveillance systems have improved campus safety.

Still, these are growing pains, not showstoppers. With the support of state leadership, academic bodies, and student activism, the university is swiftly addressing challenges while laying groundwork for its expansion into postgraduate degrees, research centres, and stronger industry partnerships.

Conclusion: Should You Choose CUSTECH?

If you’re looking for an institution that offers a wide range of accredited programmes—ranging from computing and engineering to medical sciences and law—at reasonable fees, situated in a location that is emerging but secure, then CUSTECH is absolutely worth considering. It’s not overcrowded, the lecturers are accessible, and you might just be part of the founding generation that defines its culture.

In the coming years, this university could become a major player in producing tech-savvy, health-conscious, and ethically grounded graduates who serve both Kogi State and Nigeria. So whether you’re preparing for UTME, considering direct entry, or just curious about new public universities, CUSTECH deserves a serious look.

Let me know if you’d like help picking a course, preparing for JAMB and Post-UTME, or understanding hostel procedures—I’m happy to help you start your journey at CUSTECH.