By Richard Elesho
The Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja has introduced new programmes and admitted 6,387 students across its eight schools, in the 2022/2023 academic session.
This is as the institution has obtained full accreditations for all existing courses.
Rector Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman made this known at the 30th Orientation/ Matriculation of the school in Lokoja on Thursday. He warned students against drugs, cultism, examination malpractice and other acts capable of endangering their future.
“Act of cultism is completely forbidden on our campus. All the visible and invisible security architectures of the Polytechnic placed in so many strategic places have preventive mechanisms to deal with cultists, their sympathizers and sponsors.
”Students are advised to stay safe and free from all cult-related lifestyles. Students are also advised to report any move intended to intimidate, lure them into or involve them in cultism from any quarters to the Security Unit,” he warned.
The Rector also warned the students against religious fanatism and discrimination, emphasizing that the salient mission of the Polytechnic is to build an environment conducive to group and independent learning experiences.
“Our hope and desire is that you will be the principal beneficiaries of this slogan. We are keen on training students that will represent the pride and good image of the institution, and I have no doubt that this current set will play significant role.
“We will continue to work towards making the Polytechnic environment more friendly for you to learn and ensure your personal growth and development. We shall also continue to ensure that our graduates are responsible citizens who will contribute to the development of our dear Country, Nigeria.
“Our unique programmes are intended to mould you the right way, with positive mental attitude and skills to enable you compete with your contemporaries in the larger world. Our efforts are therefore geared towards delivering high quality, enduring and independent education that will stand the test of time.
“Here at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja and our Itakpe campus, we have recorded notable milestones in structural and systemic development which are geared towards making learning in the Polytechnic worthwhile. Our drive towards achieving infrastructural development is a true evidence of our action which again is student-centred.”
A matriculation lecture on morals was delivered by Dr. Joel Akowe, Dean, School of Management Studies. He said the essence of the academic environment is to chisel out rough edges and turn raw materials into finished products.
He called on the matriculating students to guide against indecent dressing, urging them to conform with the institution’s dress codes, other regulations. and to be good ambassadors of their families.
In a good will message, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi, commended the Rector for his positive influence in the institution. He said FUL is open to collaboration with the Polytechnic in diverse fields.
The Vice Chancellor described Polytechnic education as a gateway for socio economic development and urged the matriculating students to key into the programs and policies that would make them become technically sound.
Kogi State Commissioner for Education Mr. Wemi Jones in a remark commended the Rector for his achievements in the Polytechnic. He said the state is committed to science and technology education. He also disclosed that the government is currently remodelling all four technical colleges in the state.
