The Kogi State Polytechnic has matriculated 4,349 students into the National Diploma, ND, and Higher National Diploma, HND, programmes of the institution for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Salisu Ogbo Usman, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, made this known at the 31st Matriculation Ceremony held at the Matriculation Ground of the Polytechnic on Tuesday.
According to the Rector, 3,124 students have been admitted into the ND programme, while another 1,225 students have been admitted into the HND programmes, distributed across various schools and departments of the polytechnic.
The students were admitted into departments in the schools of agricultural technology, applied sciences, art design and printing, engineering, environmental technology, and management studies.
Ogbo described Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, as a student-centered institution with a mission to build an environment conducive to both group and independent learning experiences.
He expressed confidence that the students would play a significant role in achieving this goal.
“We are desirous of training students that will represent the pride and good image of the institution. We are confident that you will play a significant role in attaining that goal.
“We will continue to work towards making the Polytechnic environment more user-friendly and ensuring 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 Kogi State and Nigeria at large.”
The Rector reiterated that the ban on all tribal associations on campus is still in force until further notice, adding that it is in the interest of collectivity and harmonious coexistence on the campus.
Ogbo stated that the polytechnic has zero tolerance for social vices such as cultism, gunrunning, examination 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. He warned students to stay away from these vices to avoid legal consequences.
“Let me particularly emphasise 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 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.”
“Any breach will attract an appropriate penalty, including outright expulsion and prosecution. The Students’ Information Handbook that will be distributed to you through your respective departments will guide you on the dos and don’ts of the Polytechnic. Ignorance of the law has no place in the Polytechnic and will not be condoned.”
