From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Rector of Kogi Poly, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman Delivering His Matriculation Speech.
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman has warned 6,549 matriculating students of the institution for 2024/2025 academic session, to avoid involving themselves in social vices that could ruin their educational pursuit.
The Rector who gave the warning at the 32nd Matriculation Ceremony of the Polytechnic, held at its main Campus in Lokoja on Saturday, particularly named the vices to include; cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, alcoholic addiction, unhealthy public gatherings, cybercrimes, incitement to violence, gangsterism, misuse/destruction of public property, stealing and indecent dressing, among others.
Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman told the matriculating students that the institution which they are now part of, has zero tolerance for all forms of social vices and should therefore abide by the warning to avoid running foul of the law.
“Any breach of the law will attract appropriate penalty, including outright expulsion and prosecution. The Students’ Information Handbook that will be distributed to you all through your respective departments will guide you on the dos and don’ts of the Polytechnic as Ignorance of the law has no place in the Polytechnic and will not be condoned
“Let me particularly emphasize on cultism, which is completely forbidden on our campus. You are therefore, warned to desist from any form of luring cultist related activities. It may interest you to know that, we have specifically put in place all visible and invisible security architectures in strategic places to deal with cultists, their sympathizers and sponsors. You are advised to stay free of all cult-related lifestyles”
The Rector further cautioned the matriculating students to desist from any act of religious fanaticism or intolerance of any form stressing that incitement to religious violence and disharmony on campus will be met with official sanction.
He disclosed that of the total number of 6,549 matriculating students, 3,708 students were admitted to run National Diploma Programmes(ND) on various disciplines while 2,841 students are to undergo Higher National Diploma(HND) on specific courses
The Rector also expressed delight that all 57 programmes offered in the institution have received full accreditation by National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) of which 19 of them were introduced under his leadership.
Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman hinted that the institution had maintain robust relationship and recognition of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) by involvment of its Leadership in all critical decision-making process and charged the matriculating students to relate effectively with relevant student unions so as to acquaint themselves with the latest decisions on issues affecting their collective interest.
He appreciated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to ensuring the sustainable development of the Polytechnic, especially the fencing of the Itakpe Campus which had remained porous since inception as well as installation of CCTC camera on both campuses for security surveillance to enhance conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.
He equally appreciated the immediate past Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, for his foresight, courage and doggedness in ensuring unprecedented stable and predictable academic calendar being enjoyed across all the state owned tertiary institutions throughout his 8 years tenure extending till date.
He acknowledged the cooperation of the Kogi state’s commissioner of Education, Wemi Jones, the management and the entire staff of the Polytechnic which he attributed to his success story since assumption of office.
