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How we tackled cultism, shored up academic standard in 4 years – Rector Kogi Poly

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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.

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“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.

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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)

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6 die as truck rams Into vehicles, pedestrians in Onitsha

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Police Command in Anambra has confirmed that six people died in a multiple-vehicle accident on Saturday at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer(CPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Sunday that the police had taken over the accident scene to maintain order and facilitate investigations.

“According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred due to the loss of control of a truck, which rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus loaded with passengers,” he said

Ikenga noted that the crash claimed six lives, while several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue.

He added that some relatives of the victims had been contacted and informed about the incident.

Ikenga said that the command extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.

He urged drivers to conduct necessary safety checks before plying the roads to prevent such tragic incidents.

The CPRO assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progressed

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Adeleke’s $20m fraud allegation against Oyetola mere shadow chasing – Ogundokun

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A frontline politician, Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has described Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun’s $20 million fraud allegation against his immediate predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as mere shadow chasing.

Ogundokun stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, while reacting to a petition by Adeleke to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Oyetola.

Adeleke had, in the petition, alleged that Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, misappropriated a $20 million World Bank health grant while he was governor of the state.

Ogundokun said in the state that there was nothing serious in the petition other than a drama aimed at generating negative energy toward the 2026 governorship election in the state.

He described Oyetola as a man of sterling performance in the private sector as well as due diligence and strict adherence to rules in the public service as governor.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain also described the former governor as the pride of Osun and Nigeria who should not be pulled down or given uncharitable names but encouraged to do more for the state.

According to him, there is the need to stop a destructive campaign of “I will destroy you if I can’t get it.

“Oyetola is honest to a fault,” he remarked, calling on the people of the state to join him in moving Osun forward.

Ogundokun advised Adeleke to prioritise good governance rather than engaging in frivolous activities.

“What Osun requires and deserves is focused leadership and serious engagements.

“I will advise Ademola Adeleke to stop playing politics with the exalted office of the governor by turning it to a petition writing apparatus.

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“He should use the enormous power of the office to improve the lots of the people instead of deploying the state resources to bully and witch-hunt a perceived enemy or enemies.

“Writing a petition against a man like Oyetola, to me, is like chasing a shadow.

“The task before Adeleke is huge, and meeting the expectations of the people should be his priority and not fighting an imaginary political foe,” he said.

The elder statesman urged the governor not to deviate from the vision of the state’s forefathers.

Rather, he said that Adeleke should learn to build on the good foundation of his predecessor instead of finding ways to shoot down his good legacies. (NAN)

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Female Politicians Saw Me As Threat, Not A Partner – Okutete

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By Abubakar Yunusa

The Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Dr Stella Okotete, has said that female politicians in Nigeria often viewed her as a threat rather than a partner.

Speaking as a keynote speaker at the Junior Chambers International Business meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, themed “Empowering Women, Empowering Communities: Accelerating Action Towards Gender Inclusivity”, Okotete reflected on the challenges she faced as a young woman in politics.

A former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okotete said, “With due respect, the female politicians didn’t want me around them. They saw me as a young woman who was a threat, not as a partner. My ideas were seen as too bold and too daring, and as a result, I was never given opportunities when nominations were being made.”

She explained that when she was appointed APC’s National Women Leader at the age of 36, it was an opportunity to bridge the gap for young women in politics, enabling them to aspire for greatness, showcase their worth, and gain visibility in governance and the public space.

“I initiated the Progressive Young Women’s Forum, which today boasts of having a former minister. Jamila was our president,” she said.

Okotete recounted how her experience in politics led her to create a support system for young women.

“I founded the Young Progressive Forum because, as a young politician, I noticed that, with due respect, female politicians didn’t want me around them. When I was made the National Women Leader, I had to create this platform so that other women would not face the discrimination I faced—from women, not men.”

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She became emotional while addressing the audience, saying, “I’m saying this with a heavy heart because I never saw any woman as a threat, and I still don’t today. That is why, when I said there are no two Stellas in Nigeria, I meant it.

“We must stop the ‘table talks’ and tea parties and start taking real action. If we truly want to see more women in government, business, and the economy, we must support each other.”

Okotete warned that women risk being sidelined by men if they do not create spaces for one another to thrive.

“The men will continue to push us aside if we give them the opportunity. While we often blame men, we, as women, must also make it a priority to support each other. Whenever we have the chance, we must ensure other women are given visibility and opportunities.

“History has shown that when women try to block or dim the light of other women, they don’t go far. They are quickly forgotten, and history does not remember them.”

She urged women to take responsibility for fostering inclusivity, saying, “We are here today, not just as members of JCI, but as individuals chosen by fate to be among the few who will shape Nigeria’s future. We must break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and push for policies that drive development and growth in our nation.”

‘Men must be allies in the fight for gender equality’

Okotete stressed the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.

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“We must challenge social and cultural norms together. We must also strengthen legal protections and policies, ensuring the enforcement of laws that protect women’s rights, including those against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.

“We must hold institutions accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies. That is why I always try to strike a balance between getting men to work with us and encouraging women to take action for themselves.”

She called on women to foster a culture of mutual support, saying, “We must lead the crusade for gender equality and inclusivity by loving and supporting one another. We must see other women in our workplaces not as competitors, but as sisters and partners.

“When we join forces, we can achieve great things.”

She highlighted the progress made by young women in politics, noting that there are now female commissioners in 20 states, as well as young female legislators in state assemblies and councillors in several APC-governed states.

“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she concluded.

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