Management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has suspended seven lecturers over allegations of sexual harassment and the unauthorized sale of handouts and textbooks to students.
While six of the academic staff were suspended for illegally selling instructional materials, one lecturer was suspended over the alleged sexual harassment of a female student.
Confirming the development, the polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. John Onimisi, disclosed that the suspensions were part of immediate disciplinary measures taken by the institution.
“The disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is investigating the allegations, and the outcome will be made available to journalists,” Onimisi stated.
The management’s action followed complaints from female students who alleged a resurgence of sex-for-grades, cultism, and academic misconduct on campus following a recent leadership transition.
Speaking anonymously for fear of victimization, some students claimed that disciplinary safeguards had weakened, allowing suppressed social vices to re-emerge.
According to them, staff members in departments including Public Administration and Graphics Design allegedly demanded between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000, or sexual favors, under threats of failing students.
One female student alleged that a lecturer instructed her to book and pay for a hotel room ahead of a meeting. She added that when she reported the matter to a senior official, she faced intimidation instead of assistance.
“These things were controlled under the former management, but with the current attitude, the old traits are coming back,” one student said. “Corrupt lecturers are emboldened while female students suffer in silence for fear of rustication.”
Students also alleged that nocturnal cult meetings had resumed near female hostels between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., adding that security reports on the incidents yielded no action.
Other issues raised by the students include the non-enforcement of dress codes, laxity around compulsory identity cards, the return of banned handout sales, and a 200 percent hike in tuition fees.
Consequently, the students appealed to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, to intervene and restore discipline in the institution.
While the polytechnic’s spokesperson confirmed the suspension and ongoing investigation of the seven lecturers, he did not address the claims regarding cult activities on campus.
