The Rector of the Kogi Polytechnic, Prof. Salisu Usman, has said the management’s bold reforms in the last four years have helped in reshaping the institution.
Usman made this known on Tuesday in Lokoja while addressing newsmen as part of activities to mark the end of his first tenure in office as rector of the institution.
”We inherited an institution where cultists reigned supreme and operated as demi-gods on campus.
”The polytechnic had no functional students’ hotels, untidy physical environment with dilapidated infrastructures when I came on board.
”These and many other threatening social vices caused the polytechnic to battle deeply disturbing image issues,” he said.
Usman said that the institution suffered over 107 security threats on campus between May 2020 and January 2025.
He explained that certain measures were put in place to restore normalcy to the polytechnic that was once known for cult-related killings and violent activities.
According to him, hidden Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) were installed in and around strategic places to monitor unholy activities of secret cult members and other criminal elements.
He said the installation of CCTV cameras was also extended to the classrooms, lecture theatres and other strategic areas on the campus.
The rector stressed that the measures had helped in curbing activities of cultists and reduced the incidence of examination malpractice in the institution.
He added that modern communication gadgets were bought while security patrol vehicles were also purchased for the use of the school’s security operatives, and more security personnel recruited, among others.
“These and other measures have yielded tremendous results, including the arrest of some students and outsiders with guns and other dangerous weapons and illicit drugs.
“These steps were also taken to restore the integrity and prestige of diplomas and other certificates being awarded by the polytechnic.
“This was achieved by strengthening the culture of academics and improvement of the quality of academic services in the school,” Usman said.
The rector said the management had been able to enshrine quality assurance and academic development to bring an end to all forms of examination malpractice in the institution.
He said a new statement of result template with complex security features was also introduced during his first term in office.
”An e-result computation was introduced while a central examination misconduct committee was also set up.
“These measures have further bolstered the authenticity and integrity of the academic credentials and boost confidence and integrity in the conduct of examinations and result processing of the polytechnic.”
He added that 18 new academic programmes introduced by the school during his first term gained full accreditation in December 2024.
The 57 programmes offered by the polytechnic, the rector said, had been accredited.
He added that the administrative reforms and re -organisation, led to the upgrading and creation of 12 directorates in the school.
He emphasised that the idea behind the initiative was to raise the bar of administrative and academic effectiveness of the school.
“The implication of the foregoing is that the Kogi Polytechnic, as it stands today, does not have any programme with denied and or interim accreditation status,” he said.
He commended the former governor, Yahaya Bello, for reposing a huge trust in him by considering him worthy of the appointment to serve the state in such capacity.
Usman appreciated Gov. Ahmed Ododo, for re-appointing him.
The News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Usman, will begin his second tenure as rector on Feb. 12 for another four years. (NAN)
