Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, held its 32nd orientation and matriculation ceremony on Saturday, with Rector Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman addressing the newly admitted students.
In his speech, the Rector emphasized the institution’s zero tolerance for social vices, urging students to prioritize their education and character development.
Speaking to an audience of staff, students, and dignitaries, Professor Salisu congratulated the 6,549 matriculating students but warned them against indulging in activities such as cultism, gun-running, drug abuse, examination malpractice, and indecent dressing.
“My dear students, to whom much is given, much is expected,” Prof. Salisu remarked. “We have zero tolerance for all forms of social vices such as cultism, gun-running, examination malpractice, drug abuse, alcoholic addiction, unhealthy social gatherings, cybercrimes, incitement to violence, and misuse of public property.”
He stressed the institution’s preparedness to enforce discipline, stating that breaches of the rules would attract penalties, including expulsion and prosecution.
The Rector also issued a firm warning against cultism, a menace he described as “completely forbidden” on campus. He assured students of heightened security measures, including visible and covert surveillance, to deter cult-related activities.
“We have put in place all visible and invisible security architectures to deal with cultists, their sympathizers, and sponsors,” he said. “Any attempt to lure students into cultism should be reported immediately.”
Celebrating Academic Achievements
Highlighting the institution’s recent accomplishments, Prof. Salisu announced the successful accreditation of 27 additional programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), achieving a 100% success rate. He also revealed the establishment of a Department of Mass Communication, a milestone he attributed to the dedication and commitment of the Polytechnic’s staff.
Breaking down the statistics, the Rector disclosed that 3,708 students were admitted into the National Diploma (ND) programme, while 2,841 were admitted into the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme.
Infrastructure Development
Professor Salisu expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his contributions to the Polytechnic’s growth, citing the fencing of the Itakpe campus and the installation of CCTV cameras on both campuses as measures to enhance safety and create a conducive learning environment.
The Rector also praised former Governor Yahaya Bello for establishing a stable academic calendar that has bolstered the institution’s reputation.
The ceremony ended on a note of optimism as the Rector reiterated the Polytechnic’s commitment to producing disciplined, knowledgeable, and resourceful graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
Students were encouraged to embrace the opportunity for academic excellence while steering clear of activities that could derail their futures.
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