Prof.Salisu Ogbo Usman reading his address at the 32nd matriculation occasion.
,,,,,Rector stresses dedication to academic excellence,warns that ignorance of the law will not be tolerated..
The matriculating students.
The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, led by Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has reiterated its commitment to upholding a zero-tolerance policy towards various social vices among students.
The institution, the management added,is dedicated to fostering a conducive learning environment, free from practices that could hinder personal and academic growth.
To this end, students have been cautioned to avoid involvement in activities such as cultism, drug abuse, gun-running, and examination malpractice.
The Polytechnic also warned against other destructive behaviors, including alcohol addiction, cybercrimes, gangsterism, stealing, and indecent dressing, adding it is The institution also strongly opposed to unhealthy social gatherings and incitement to violence.
In his address at the 32nd matriculation ceremony, where 6,549 new students were enrolled across various departments, the Rector, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, emphasized the institution’s strict stance on cultism.
He stated,”Let me particularly emphasize on cultism, which is completely forbidden on our campus. You are therefore warned to desist from any form of luring cultist-related activities.”
The Rector assured the students that both visible and invisible security measures are in place to tackle any cult-related activities, including preventing intimidation or recruitment into cult groups but encouraged them to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“You are also advised to report any move intended to intimidate and lure you into or enlist you into cultism. We encourage you to be sterling examples of what moral discipline is,”he said.
On the matter of personal conduct, Prof. Usman urged students to dress modestly and adhere to the institution’s standards of decency, stressing that that undue exposure of body parts would be deemed inappropriate and dealt with accordingly.
“Undue exposure of body parts is considered provocative to the sensibilities of others, and will be severely dealt with. You can always access further information on how to dress on this campus on our posters, billboards, and handbills,” he urged.
In matters of religion, he said the Polytechnic recognizes three official worship centers on campus: the Central Mosque for Muslim students, the Chapel of Peace, and the Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church for Christian students.
Prof. Usman stressed that the institution does not tolerate any form of religious fanaticism or intolerance, warning that incitement to religious violence would result in disciplinary action.
“Kogi State Polytechnic does not tolerate any act of religious fanaticism or intolerance of any form. Any incitement to religious violence and disharmony on this campus will be met with official sanction,.”the Rector further warned
Prof. Usman reminded the students of their responsibility to use their time at the Polytechnic wisely.
“My dear students, as you prepare to experience the formative impacts of this institution today, I implore you to use this opportunity to make your parents, the society, and the institution proud,”according to him.
He informed the students that the Polytechnic’s Students’ Information Handbook would be distributed to guide them on the dos and don’ts of the institution, stressing that ignorance of the law would not be accepted.
“The Students’ Information Handbook that will be distributed to you through your respective departments, will guide you on the dos and don’ts of the Polytechnic. Ignorance of the law has no place in the Polytechnic and will not be condoned.”
Prof. Usman recognized the Polytechnic’s achievements, highlighting the enrollment of students from 32 states across Nigeria, representing 88.9% of the nation’s states.
He revealed that this year, the Polytechnic saw a 16.7% increase in enrollment compared to previous years.
“What this means is that 88.9 percent of states in the federation are represented in our enrollment for the 2024/2025 academic session.”
This achievement, he said, underscores the Polytechnic’s position as a melting pot of diverse cultures and opportunities.
“This goes to show that, at Kogi State Polytechnic, we are living true to the appellation of Kogi State as a ‘confluence of opportunities’ and a melting pot of all shades of cultures and traditions,” he stated.
Prof. Usman also shared the institution’s focus on academic excellence, including the recent successful quality assurance exercise, which involved the presentation of new programs for inspection and accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Looking forward to the future, he expressed confidence that 2025 would be another successful year, marked by achievements in both academic and infrastructural development.
“The Polytechnic is ready to ensure a conducive learning environment for the students. “Our unique programmes are designed to inculcate positive mental attitudes and skills that will make students competitive anywhere in the world.”
He acknowledged the contributions of Kogi State’s government, particularly the past administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, for stabilizing the academic calendar of the institution in various ways.
Prof. Usman extended his special appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support, which includes the construction of a fence around the Itakpe campus and the installation of CCTV cameras for enhanced security.among other efforts.
One of side attractions at the matriculation ceremony.
