The Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja has matriculated a total of Six Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Nine, 6,549, students across the eight schools and fifty seven various programmes of the institution.

Rector of the institution, Professor Usman Salisu Ogbo stated this at the School’s 32nd Orientation and Matriculation program held on Saturday at the Matriculation Ground of the institution in Lokoja.

Professor. Ogbo explained that Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eight, 3,708, Students were admitted for the National Diploma, while Two Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-one made it through for the Higher National Diploma program.

According to him, the National Board for Technical Education NBTE has approved additional Twenty-Seven Programmes (27) in an accreditation exercise which recorded 100% success.

The NBTE accredited programmes in both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma courses, a significant milestone akeen to the 2022 outing when the school recorded 100% in the 30 Programmes presented for accreditation.

The Rector further disclosed that the institution has established the Department of Mass Communication, attributing the feat to the doggedness, courage and determination of the men and women of the institution.

“Let me pause at this stage to express my profound appreciation to the Principal Officers, Management and the Academic Board for your unwavering commitment, dedication, support and loyalty to the unyielding growth and development of our dear Polytechnic. The remarkable and historic results from the quality assurance exercise is the testament of your selflessness and sacrifices.”

While congratulating the matriculating students, the Rector warned that the Polytechnic would not condone any form of social vices, such as cultism, gun-running, examination malpractice, drug abuse, cybercrimes and indecent dressing.

“My dear students, to whom much is given, much is expected. In this regard, I must inform you that we have zero tolerance for all forms of social vices such as cultism, gun-running, Examinations malpractice, drug abuse, alcoholic addiction, unhealthy social gatherings, cybercrimes, incitement to violence, gangsterism, misuse and destruction of public property, stealing and indecent dressing, among others.”

“My simple warning is for you to stay away from these vices to avoid running a foul of the law. Any breach will attract an appropriate penalty, including outright expulsion and prosecution…. 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 architecture in strategic places to deal with cultists, their sympathisers and sponsors. You are therefore advised to stay free of all cult related lifestyles. You are also advised to report any move intended to intimidate and lure you into or enlist you into cultism.”

Professor Ogbo expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment and dedication to the sustainable growth and development the institution, citing the fencing of the Itakpe campus,and the installation of CCTV camera on both campuses “to enhance conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.”

He also saluted the courage, foresight and doggedness of former Governor Yahaya Bello which he attributed to the unprecedented, stable and predictable academic calendar which the school enjoys.

In her goodwill message at the occasion, the Deputy Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Comfort Nwuchola who commended the Rector for transforming the Institution, urges the students to be serious with the studies and be good ambassadors of the Polytechnic.

The occasion was attended by dignitaries within and outside the State.