The Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi State, has held its maiden strategic retreat for members of its Governing Council and principal officers, with a focus on strengthening institutional governance, accountability and effective administration.
A press statement issued by the university’s public relations and protocol unit said the two-day retreat, held from Monday, September 21 to Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Hawthorn Suites, Abuja, was themed, “The Governing Council of State-Owned Universities: Whither?”
Declaring the retreat open, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, said the programme was designed to equip members of the pioneer council with the knowledge and understanding required to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
Obafemi said CUSTECH, being a young and rapidly developing institution, required a Governing Council capable of providing strategic direction and effective oversight to support its growth and development.
The retreat featured presentations by scholars and professionals on university governance, quality assurance, accountability, funding and stakeholder relations.
Emeritus Professor Atubokiki Ajienka, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, delivered a paper titled “The Role of Governing Council in the Effective Governance of Universities.”
Also, Emeritus Professor Funmi Bickersteth, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, delivered a virtual presentation on “Essential Elements for Harmonious Working Relationships Between Council and Various Stakeholders.”
Representing the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mrs Efe F. Ehioghae presented a paper on “NUC Regulatory Framework and Quality Assurance in University Administration.”
On the second day, the North-Central Zonal Coordinator of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Kor Leticia Kpenbeen, spoke on “Quo Vadis: TETFund Interventions and Council Oversight.”
Mr Demola Bakare, FSI, Director, Education Department, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), delivered the final presentation on “Promoting Transparency, Accountability and Ethical Governance in the University System.”
The Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Engr. Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu, commended the resource persons for their presentations, saying the retreat had broadened the understanding of Council members on their roles, responsibilities and relationships necessary for effective governance.
Salawu also expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State and Visitor to CUSTECH, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his continued support for the development of the university.
The Vice-Chancellor led participants in observing a minute’s silence in honour of the late former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who died recently.
Members of the Governing Council commended the university management for organising the capacity-building programme, noting that the calibre of resource persons and the range of issues discussed would assist them in effectively discharging their responsibilities.
The Secretary to Council and Registrar of the university, Mrs Glory Ojochogu Yakubu, thanked the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council and other members for their commitment to the successful hosting of the retreat.
