Expect Another Ogbo, Outgoing Rector Assures Kogi Poly Community

By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.

The outgoing Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has assured the polytechnic community, particularly those who disagreed with his no-nonsense style of administration, that although he is leaving office, the institution will witness a similar pattern of administration under the incoming leadership.

Prof. Usman gave the assurance during a press briefing in Lokoja on Thursday, where he reeled out his achievements as Rector from 2020 to date and announced the 5th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the polytechnic, scheduled to take place in Lokoja on Saturday.

The Professor of Political Science, who has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Kogi State University, Anyigba, said he would hand over the mantle of leadership to Prof. Sanusi Avidime, expressing confidence that the incoming Rector would sustain and build on his achievements to take the Polytechnic to greater heights.

Prof. Usman, who said the decision of his management to stop lecturers from selling handouts to students was in the best interest of the students, noted that his reforms and initiatives had strengthened the institution and raised its profile in terms of academic and physical development, among others.

Reflecting on his stewardship, the outgoing Rector recalled: “I took over the leadership of the Polytechnic at a defining moment in its history; a period when the institution was without critical governance structures such as the Principal Officers and the Governing Council. The challenges before us were enormous, but our commitment to reposition the Polytechnic for stability, growth, and academic excellence was resolute.

“I profoundly appreciate the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, for giving me the foundation, trust, and unwavering support. His consistent encouragement, policy backing, and belief in our leadership provided the enabling environment within which critical reforms were initiated and sustained. I remain eternally grateful and loyal to him.

“You may also recall that in June 2024, eight months before the expiration of my first tenure, His Excellency, the People’s Servant and principal advocate of consolidation and continuity, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, graciously approved the renewal of my appointment with effect from 12th February, 2025.

“Again, right on the eve of the first anniversary of the renewal of my appointment as Rector, His Excellency gave me another pleasant surprise by graciously appointing me as Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.

“I am immensely grateful to the Governor for sustaining the confidence, trust, and support reposed in me. I remain eternally appreciative of this uncommon trust and favour.

“In all, I remain deeply grateful to Allah for the wisdom, guidance, strength, and sustenance bestowed upon us over the past six years. Words are inadequate to fully convey my appreciation for His unfailing love, divine guidance, and protection in all our decisions. All I can say is: O Allah, the Omnipotent and the Most Merciful, I am profoundly grateful.

“I also wish to sincerely acknowledge the Chairman of the 10th Governing Council, Barr. Sanni Momoh Shaibu, and members of the Council for their steadfast guidance and cooperation. In a special way, I extend my appreciation to members of the Academic Board, Principal Officers, Management, staff, and students of the Polytechnic for their unwavering support. The milestones recorded by the institution within the period under review are a testament to their collective commitment to our shared vision.

“Distinguished members of the Press, I sincerely appreciate you for your partnership, goodwill, extensive publicity, and favourable coverage accorded the Polytechnic under our watch. You have remained reliable partners in our journey of institutional renewal and academic restoration. I assure you that we hold this relationship in high esteem and will continue to sustain and strengthen it even in my next assignment.”

On the combined convocation, Prof. Usman disclosed that 6,824 students, approved by the Academic Board for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions at both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels, will graduate on Saturday.

The development, he said, marks another milestone in the Polytechnic’s academic calendar and the final convocation under his leadership.

The graduands comprise 3,892 National Diploma (ND) students and 2,932 Higher National Diploma (HND) students across various programmes.
Of the number, 51 students are graduating with distinctions at the National Diploma level, while 66 students will graduate with distinctions at the Higher National Diploma level, he further revealed.

Prof. Usman advised the students to devote much of their time and resources to the pursuit of academic excellence in order to better their future endeavours.