From Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe, Lokoja
The Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has officially matriculated 6,549 students for the 2024/2025 academic session. The students are distributed across eight schools and 57 programmes offered by the institution.
The event marked the 32nd matriculation ceremony of the Polytechnic and the fifth under the leadership of the Rector, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Polytechnic’s matriculation ground, Professor Usman highlighted the institution’s achievements under his administration. He proudly announced that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had conducted an Institutional Accreditation, Resource Inspection, and Programme Accreditation exercise from December 18 to 20, 2024. Out of the 27 programmes presented for accreditation, the Polytechnic achieved a 100% success rate.
The Rector noted that 19 of the 57 programmes currently offered were introduced during his tenure, accounting for 33.3% of the total. He described this as a significant milestone in the Polytechnic’s academic and structural development, aimed at providing students with a quality learning experience.
Professor Usman outlined the Polytechnic’s progress in infrastructural development, which includes modern offices, classrooms, lecture theatres, studios, and laboratories spread across various schools and departments. These improvements, he said, are designed to enhance the teaching and learning environment for both staff and students.
The Rector issued a stern warning to students to avoid engaging in social vices such as gun-running, examination malpractice, drug abuse, alcohol addiction, unhealthy social gatherings, cybercrimes, incitement to violence, gangsterism, theft, misuse of public property, and indecent dressing.
He stressed that any student found guilty of such misconduct would face severe penalties, including expulsion and possible prosecution.
Professor Usman reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic and moral standards, urging the newly matriculated students to focus on their studies and contribute positively to the Polytechnic’s legacy.
