By correspondent in Lokoja.
Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, says the Polytechnic under his leadership averted 107 security threats between May 2020 and January 2025 during his tenure.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Lokoja to mark the commencement of his second term, Ogbo outlined the measures taken to transform the institution, once plagued by cult-related violence, into a more secure and academically reputable institution.
The Key security interventions his administration put in place include the installation of hidden CCTV cameras in strategic areas, including classrooms and lecture theatres, to monitor and curb illicit activities.
The Rector, who revealed that for five students gathering in the campus of the institution,one is an information, said that the security initiative, alongside the procurement of modern communication gadgets and security patrol vehicles, has significantly reduced violent incidents and examination malpractice.
Ogbo added that the banning of tribal associations and certain celebrations that were often used as covers for cult activities also enhanced his management in effectively in security in the Polytechnic.
According to him,these measures have led to arrests of students and outsiders found with illegal weapons and drugs, adding that the development also marked a major success in the effort to restore peace.
In the area of academic integrity, Ogbo emphasized the restoration of the polytechnic’s certificates’ authenticity.
He said his administration accomplished the task through various steps, including the disruption of the notorious “Magic Centre” syndicate, the introduction of a new, secure result template, and the launch of E-Examination Result Computation and E-Payment systems.
He explained that these reforms have helped ensure the credibility of the institution’s diplomas and exams.
The Rector also the journalists that under leadership, all 57 academic programmes offered by the polytechnic are now fully accredited, a feat achieved by December 2024.
He also revealed that the Polytechnic introduced 18 new academic programmes, adding that all of them received full accreditation.
Ogbo also disclosed that the administrative reforms of his management led to the creation of 12 directorates to enhance the school’s academic and administrative performance.
The Rector commended former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for finding him worthy of the appointment and also praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of the State, for reappointing him for the second term and promised that he would not disappoint them and the people of the state.
Keen watchers of development in the Polytechnic said Ogbo’s tenure marked a period of unprecedented improvements in both security and academic excellence at Kogi State Polytechnic.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
