TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING DELIVERED BY PROFESSOR SALISU OGBO
USMAN, COMMEMORATING THE END OF HIS FIRST TERM AS RECTOR
OF KOGI STATE POLYTECHNIC, LOKOJA, ON TUESDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY, 2025.
COURTESIES
In the name of Allah, the most gracious and the most merciful, I feel most delighted to welcome you all to this stocktaking and accountability interaction to mark the end of my first term as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic today being 11th February, 2025.
Gentlemen of the Press, you will recall that, I assumed office as Acting Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic on 7th April, 2020, and the appointment was confirmed on 12th February, 2021, by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
It took the grace of God Almighty for me to take over the mantle of leadership of this Polytechnic at such a critical moment when there was no functional governing structure such as the Principal Officers and the Governing Council in place. In fact, the story of who to handover to me which began with a 2 – page handover note as a working document from the former Deputy Rector and later a scripted inventory from my immediate predecessor, will be reserved for another day. This was because I was inspired by Brian Tracy, who said that “Leaders think and talk about the solutions. Followers think and talk about the problems”.
In all, I remain grateful to Allah for the wisdom, guidance, providence, the grace, the huge responsibility, and the sustenance over the past four years. I do not know how to thank and exalt His name enough to communicate my innermost joy and appreciation for the huge love and invaluable guidance and protection in all our decisions. All I have to say is, oh Allah, the omnipotent and the most merciful, I am most grateful.
I am hugely indebted to His Excellency, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Adoza Bello CON, for not bowing to the antics of the naysayers and destiny killers, and for believing in me even when there was enormous pressure on him. The platform he gave me against all odds is the reason we are here today. For the risk, for the love, for the trust, and for the support, I am profoundly grateful to him.
Gentlemen of the Press, you may also recall that, in June, 2024, His Excellency, the people’s servant, the principal apostle of consolidation and continuity, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo in his uncommon magnanimity approved for the renewal of my appointment with effect from 12th February, 2025. I am immensely grateful to him for sustaining the love, the trust, and the support. Were it not for his priceless decision to extend my stay here, this press briefing would have been a farewell address. I remain eternally grateful to him for the huge trust and uncommon love.
I proudly and profoundly appreciate the Chairman of the 9th Governing Council, Professor Yakubu Isa, and his members for the support. In a special way, I extend my gratitude to the members of the Academic Board, Principal Officers, Management, staff, and students of the Polytechnic for the overwhelming support I enjoyed over the period. The milestone attained by the Polytechnic within the period in review are attributable to their sustained support and commitment to our vision and leadership goals.
Distinguished members of the Press, I am most delighted to welcome you to this interaction. I appreciate you most profoundly and sincerely for the mutual love and trust and for the wide publicity and favourable coverage we have enjoyed from you. You have been tremendous partners in our transformation and restoration journey.
On numerous occasions, I have had cause to interact with you individually and collectively, and the outcomes have been very encouraging for the growth of the Polytechnic. I will not take that for granted. I want to assure you that we will continue to hold you in high esteem, and we will do all that is practically possible to sustain the smooth and cordial relationship.
WHY THIS BRIEFING?
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, four years ago, the then Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, reposed a huge trust in me by confirming my appointment as substantive Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic. The charge then was for me to continue the implementation of the education vision of his New Direction Agenda in the Polytechnic.
A few months ago, the Chief Servant of the People, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, gave me the nod to continue for another fresh term of four years. While my initial appointment and confirmation was an iconic moment in my life, my reappointment for a second term humbles me beyond measures. I, therefore, consider it a huge disservice to the trust reposed by the two leaders if I fail to provide highlights of the implementation of their governance vision through the mandate given to me. In essence, this briefing is not about me; it is about the provision of quality education initiated by His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and consolidated upon by His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo in Kogi State Polytechnic.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have no doubt in my mind that you can vividly recollect the conditions of Kogi State Polytechnic before we came on board. For the sake of reference, however, you would agree with me that we inherited an institution that was confronted with myriads of issues which were hitherto seen as incurable.
We inherited an institution where cultists reined supreme as demi-gods and operating with impunity on the campus and the neighborhood. This and many other threatening social vices made the Polytechnic to be battling with deeply disturbing image issues bordering on negative press.
We also inherited an institution without a functional student hostel, deficient in ICT, polarized along ethnic line, notorious for untidy physical environment with dilapidated infrastructures, poor research cultures, general indiscipline and impunity amongst some members of the Polytechnic community.
The Polytechnic also had dented image and severed relationship with relevant funding agencies due to failed contracts and abandoned projects spanning over ten (10) years.
The Polytechnic also had outstanding problems of accreditation across virtually all programmes spanning nine (9) years as well as accumulated problem of Convocation after several sessions of turning out students at both the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels.
There were also issues of proposed new programmes that needed to be introduced as outlined in the maiden 2013 – 2018 Strategic Plan of the institution, which was not implemented.
To fill these glaring gaps and restore the lost glory of the institution, we introduced the 3R-Mission of “Repair, Reform and Restore” which we have been implementing through consultation and committee system.
A. TACKLING THE MONSTER OF INSECURITY
We set machinery in motion for tackling insecurity through the following measures:
1. Fortification of security architecture through effective intelligence gathering on the activities of cultists and other deviant groups;
2. Construction of a befitting security building code-named ALHAJI YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO SECURITY HOUSE at the entrance of the Polytechnic to replace the 3-room cubicle we inherited to promote efficiency amongst the security personnel;
3. Installation of hidden CCTV camera on the campus to monitor unholy activities and act decisively – this measure was recently expanded by His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, through the mounting of CCTV cameras in our classrooms and other strategic places on campus;
4. Provision of communication gadgets for security personnel for effective communication;
5. Provision of security patrol vehicles for surveillance and monitoring;
6. Aggressive campus illumination through provision of solar lights and other illuminating gadgets, which was recently expanded with additional 100 units by Kogi State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
7. Continuous clearing of bushes on the campuses;
8. Dislodgement of the notorious “Pipeline” which was hitherto the meeting point of cultists and replacement of same with barricades;
9. Decentralisation of the Security Structures to enhance proper supervision of operatives for effective discharge of duties and efficiency;
10. Sustaining the ban of Students Tribal Association to ensure harmony;
11. Recruitment of more qualified security personnel;
12. Synergy with security agencies to prevent crimes and criminalities; and
13. Banning of End of Session Celebration, which was smokescreen for cult groups to engage in bloody confrontations, often resulting in fatalities amongst other measures.
These efforts have yielded tremendous results, including the arrest of some students and nonestudents with guns and other dangerous weapons and illicit drugs while making attempts to enter the campus.
The security efforts and strategies also helped us to discover the notorious syndicate known as “Magic Centre” at Sarkin Norma, where students and non-students were nabbed while writing examination with our questions papers and booklets.
In all, a total of 107 security threats were averted through the security network with necessary action taken between May 2020 to January, 2025.
B. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
Gentlemen of the press, within the period under review, we introduced several measures aimed at strengthening the culture of academic excellence and improve the quality of academic services in the institution. Permit me to present the highlights as follows:
1. Provision of New Statement of Result Template with Additional Security Features against Falsification
The institution has further bolstered the authenticity and integrity of its academic credentials by introducing a new and enhanced statement of result template. This upgraded template incorporates advanced security features designed to prevent falsification, ensuring that the statements of result issued to students are tamper-proof and genuine. This proactive measure reinforces our commitment to academic excellence, transparency, and accountability while also safeguarding the interest of students and stakeholders.
2. Introduction E-Examination/Results Computation/E-Payment
This has boosted confidence and integrity in the conduct of our examination and results processing. It has also resulted in prompt release of results on semester basis, enabling our students to check their academic status anywhere in the world and block revenue leakages in the system.
Transcript processing for our graduates, especially for those who graduated from the year 2021, has been made seamless through this measure.
3. Setting up of Central Examination Misconduct Committee
This committee is tasked to investigate and recommend to the Academic Board for final decision on all cases of examination misconduct, by ensuring that the institution’s academic standards are upheld and that students are held accountable for their actions. The of this newly introduced layer is to further gives students more opportunities for fair hearing. This initiative has helped us to handle all examination misconduct related cases such that errors that may lead to litigation are minimized.
4. Strengthening Regulation against indiscriminate Production and Sales of Textbooks on the Campus:
We did this by empowering the Committee in charge with far more latitude to oversee, deliberate, and make recommendations that would lead to the production of quality textbooks for students. This is in addition to reviewing and strengthening the guidelines on the production of textbooks, which include central pricing and voluntary purchase by students.
5. Introduction of the Academic Board Central Results Verification Committee
We constituted the Academic Board Central Results Verification Committee headed by the Deputy Rector and with all Deans and representatives of each School as members. The Committee has the mandate to carefully and painstakingly verify results submitted by Departments and Schools and make recommendations to Academic Board for final consideration and approval.
The measure has substantially minimized errors in approved results, as the Committee devotes enough time to the consideration and scrutiny of the results. It has also saved time and resources usually spent by the Board in considering the results.
6. Production of Maiden Annual Report for the Polytechnic
Shortly after we assumed duties, we discovered that no Annual Report had been produced since the inception of the Polytechnic to serve as a guide to reflect on our past, gauge on the present and project into the future. The implication was that there was no single archive of records of the activities of the Polytechnic annually for the whole of its existence. This was not a good commentary on an institution that had existed for almost three decades. We therefore took it as a challenge for the activities of the institution in the preceding session to be documented through Annual Report. That report was eventually produced for the 2018/2019 session, making it the first in the history of the institution. The production of Annual Report has now become a tradition in the Polytechnic, as we now have the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 editions in place. We are already at the advanced stage of producing the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 editions.
7. Establishment of the School of Agricultural Technology at Itakpe with Four (4) Academic Departments
We considered the imperative of training in Agriculture for the economy of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole and sought the permission of the State Government for the take-off of the programme. His Excellency, the then Governor graciously granted approval, including recruitment of lecturers and technologists for the commencement of the programmes. Today, we are happy to stress that the School is not only in place and fully functional, but that the four (4) programmes which the School initially started with (one was later moved to the School of Engineering Technology on the advice of the NBTE accreditation team), namely; ND Horticultural Technology, ND Animal Health and Production Technology, ND Agricultural Technology and ND Agric and Bio Environmental Engineering Technology have been fully accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
The establishment of the School of Agricultural Technology at Itakpe is a milestone effort that is dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in agricultural Sciences, Engineering and Technology. It underscores our proactive commitment to addressing the critical needs of the agricultural sector, fostering sustainable development, and producing graduates that are equipped with the skills and expertise required to drive agricultural innovation and growth.
8. 100% Accreditation of 48 Programmes and Institutional Accreditation
Thirty programmes in the Polytechnic were having accreditation challenges before we came on board. Some of the programmes were due for the exercise as far as back as 2013 and were on the verge of being sanctioned by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). To preserve the programmes and protect the credibility of the institution, we promptly set up several committees to fashion out the means of solving the accreditation problems. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) accreditation team visited the Polytechnic between 4th – 8th April, 2022, for reaccreditation of the 30 due programmes.
To the glory of God Almighty and with the support of the State Government, staff and students of the Polytechnic, all the programmes were duly reaccredited and granted Full Accreditation Status with a hundred percent (100%) record.
Distinguished members of the Press, again, in the year 2024, eighteen (18) programmes, cutting across Schools and Departments were due for accreditation by the NBTE. In addition, the Polytechnic was also due for Institutional Accreditation. With the support of the State Government, it is gratifying to report that the accreditation team visited between 18th – 20th December, 2024. Just like the 2022 scenario, the result of the accreditation was a resounding100% Full accreditation for the 18 programmes and the institution. The implication of the forgoing is that the Kogi State Polytechnic as it stand today, does not have programme with denied and or interim accreditation status.
9. Introduction of New Programmes
Similarly, we have also successfully introduced and mounted other new programmes in some existing Schools. These include:
1 ND Mechatronics Engineering Technology (Accredited)
2 ND Computer Engineering Technology (Accredited)
3 HND Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology (Power and Machine Option) – (Accredited)
4 HND Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology (Electronic and Telecommunication option) – (Accredited) HND Civil Engineering Technology – (Approved to commence)
5 HND Science Laboratory Technology (Microbiology option) – (Accredited)
6 HND Mechanical Engineering Technology (Manufacturing Option) (Approved to commence)
7 HND Building Technology – (Approved to commence)
8 HND Architectural Technology – (Approved to commence)
9 HND Surveying and Geo – Informatics – (Approved to commence)
10 ND Printing Technology – (Approved to commence)
11 ND Fashion Design and Clothing Technology – (Approved to commence)
12 HND Networking and Cloud Computing – (Accredited)
13 HND Software and Web Development – (Accredited)
14 ND Mass Communication (Approved to commence)
This brings the total number of new programmes to 19, representing 33.3% of the entire 57 programmes being run in the Polytechnic.
10. Furnishing and Provision of Adequate and Current Textbooks, Journals and Elibrary Components at the Polytechnic Library
We have significantly enhanced the academic resources available to students by furnishing and stocking the Polytechnic Library with an extensive collection of up-to-date textbooks, journals, and e-library components. This substantial investment in library resources ensures that students have access to a wealth of relevant, current, and authoritative information, facilitating their academic pursuits, research, and personal development. The revamped library environment now provides a conducive and technology-rich space for students to explore, learn, and succeed.
C. ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND RE-ORGANISATION
On coming on board, we realised the need to establish some hitherto non-existing Directorates with the view to raising the bar of administrative and academic effectiveness. In addition, some existing units were upgraded to Directorate status in line with best practice. The highlights include:
1. Directorate of Information Technology Resources Centre (upgraded to a Directorate status)
2. Directorate of Sports (carved out of the Students Services)
3. Directorate of Advancement, Support, and Linkages (newly introduced)
4. Directorate of Physical Planning and Development (carved out of the Works and Services Department)
5. Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Skills Development (upgraded from a Unit status)
6. Directorate of Public Relations and Protocol (upgraded from a unit status)
7. Directorate of Internal Audit (upgraded from a unit status)
8. Directorate of Legal Services (upgraded from a unit status)
9. Directorate of Research and Innovation (newly introduced),
10. Directorate of Quality Assurance (carved out of the Academic Planning)
11. Directorate of Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (upgraded from a unit status)
12. Directorate of Career Development Services (newly introduced)
D. PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL MAINTENANCE
We have made tremendous progress in the provision of physical facilities. While we cannot outline all of them in details, it important to provide highlights on few significant ones as follows:
1. Construction of a New Security House (Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello Security House) in place of the inherited 3-room cubicle (completed and in use);
2. Upgrading of the Polytechnic Health Centre, 3-bed structure inherited (completed and in use);
3. Construction and Furnishing of Academic Staff Office Block (completed and in use);
4. Construction and Furnishing of Studios and Exhibition Halls for School of Art, Design and Printing (completed and in use),
5. Construction and Furnishing of Classrooms, Studios and Offices for School of Environmental Technology (completed and in use);
6. Construction of 200-Seat Capacity Twin Lecture Theatre (completed and in use);
7. Construction and Furnishing of Laboratory and Workshop Building for School of Applied Sciences (completed and in use);
8. Construction and Furnishing of Class rooms and Offices in School of Sciences (donated to CUSTECH, completed and in use);
9. Construction of CBT Extension (90% completed);
10. Remodeling and Reconstruction of 1000-seat capacity Lecture Theatre (70% competed);
11. Construction of Tractors Implements Workshop at the School of Engineering, Itakpe (Completed);
12. Remodeling and Reconstruction of the Communication and Information Technology Complex (completed and in use by the Department of Mass Communication, School of General and Communication Studies);
13. Construction of Examinations and Records Office (completed and in use)
14. Remodelling of Block I into a one-storey building for the use of the Department of Office Technology Management (60% completed)
15. Block of classroom and laboratory for School of Science (50% completed)
16. Historic Perimeter fencing of the Itakpe Campus (State Government sponsored – 70% completion);
17. Complete renovation of the vandalized storey-building for the Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) Laboratory (Completed and in use);
18. Floor overlay and complete renovation of the 500-Seat Capacity Lecture Theatre (completed and in use);
19. Comprehensive renovation of the students’ hostels stalled since 2016 and the return of the students to the hostel after over five (5) years of off- campus residence (completed and in use);
20. Perimeter fencing of the Female Hostel (Completed and in use);
21. Construction of drainage for erosion control and pedestal walkway for traffic control around admission block on the main campus (completed and in use);
22. Historic fencing of the Itakpe Campus by His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
E. STAFF WELFARE
We have made significant progress with respect to the welfare of our staff in the following areas:
1. Implementation and cash backing of Promotion (2015 – 2020)
Significant number of staff were promoted in the Polytechnic between 2015 and 2020. However, these promotions were not given the required cash backing before we came on board. We tabled the matter before His Excellency, the immediate past Governor, and he graciously granted approval for the implementation of the promotion up till 2020.
2. Promotion of Staff from 2020 – 2023
Within the period of 2020 – 2023, we have promoted a total of 689 members of staff. The breakdown of this on yearly distribution indicates that a total of 202, 165, 157, and 165 members of staff were promoted during the year 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 promotion exercises respectively. Out of these numbers, Twenty-Three (23) Principal Lecturer were promoted to Chief Lecturers.
3. Recruitment of New Staff
When we came on board, we realized that the Polytechnic was heavily understaffed due to cases of retirement, resignation, and disengagement due to disciplinary related matters. These created serious vacuum in office schedules and lack of expertise in some instances, leading to slow pace of work and general inefficiency in the system. We tabled the matter before the Government, and approval was obtained for the recruitment of members of staff into the academic, administrative, and technical cadres of the institution.
TABLE I: Current Staff Disposition in the Polytechnic:
Today, apart from the newly introduced programmes for which we need more qualified manpower as well the issues of retirements and resignation for greener pastures, the Polytechnic is poised to deliver on its mandate with the available highly motivated manpower in virtually all aspects of our essential services.
This has not only strengthened the Polytechnic, but it has also empowered hundreds of young men and women who had spent years without jobs since graduation. We will continue to appreciate Kogi State Government for the great honour and magnanimity despite the lean resources with other competing demands.
4. Approval for Study Leave With Pay
This is one of the significant areas of academic and carer development for staff of every establishment like our institution. Presently, a total of 188 members of staff are currently on approved Study Leave With Pay (SLWP). Out of these, one hundred and twenty three (123) were approved within the period under review, 2020 to 2023.
Furthermore, 65 staff members were granted Study Leave With Pay (SLWP) to pursue PhD Programme both within and outside Nigeria, out of which 43 were approved within the years 2020 – 2023.
Below is the highlight of the approval for Study Leave With Pay (SLWP) for various programmes with reference to the total numbers and those that were approved within the period under review.
TABLE II: Staff on Approved SLWP at a Glance
Apart from those in the above listed categories, a total of 37 staff members have completed and submitted their PhD and MSc programmes certificates within the period under review.
5. TETFUND Intervention for Staff Development
Since the year 2020 to 2024, we have processed, received and disbursed funds from TETFUND to staff members in various categories as summarized on the table below.
TABLE III: TETFUND Staff Training and Development Intervention (2020 – 2024)
6. Payment of Allowances
Within the period under review, we have paid thirty three million, nine hundred and twenty eight thousand, six hundred and seventy five naira (N33,928,675.00) only to the deserving members of staff from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as Earned Academic Allowances within the period under review.
7. Prompt Payment of Salaries
Our staff are enjoying prompt payment of salaries as applicable to all staff in the services of Kogi State Government. We are very grateful to His Excellency for this sustained and dedicated efforts to the welfare of our staff.
8. Enrolment into the Kogi State Health Insurance Schemes
It is no longer news that Kogi State Government introduced a novel health insurance scheme which is proving to be a remarkable success. Majority of our staff are enrolled into the Scheme with pleasurable delight and appreciation to His Excellency, the People’s Servant and the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
9. Repositioning and Effective Take-off of the Polytechnic Staff School
We have successfully repositioned and revitalized the Polytechnic Staff School, marking a significant turnaround after a prolonged period of ‘motion-without-movement’. The school started with a pupil, but today we are struggling for space due to high demand. This underscores our commitment to providing quality education and supportive services to staff and their families.
10. Provision of Transport Services for Staff to Cushion the effect of the Year 2022 Flood in Lokoja
To mitigate the effect of the 2022 flood, we provided palliative transport service for our staff within the period. This timely intervention helped alleviate the transportation challenges faced by staff.
11. Provision of Bus to Convey Staff to the Itakpe Campus
We provided a bus to convey staff to the Itakpe Campus, marking a first in the history of the Polytechnic. This innovative solution enhances staff mobility, convenience, and overall work experience.
F. STUDENTS WELFARE
1. Provision of Two (2) Number 1000-Capacity Storage Tanks for Water Supply
We made substantial investment in student comfort and convenience by providing two number 1000-capacity storage tanks, ensuring a reliable 24-hour water supply to the hostels. This enhancement greatly improves the living conditions and overall student experience.
2. Provision of a Water Tanker for Stand-by and Emergency Water Supply
We provided a water tanker as stand-by and emergency water supply source and ensuring prompt and reliable water supply to the campus community. This proactive measure addresses water scarcity concerns, maintains hygiene and sanitation standards, and enhances the overall quality of life on campus.
3. Provision of Ambulance for Prompt Medical Emergency Response
We provided an ambulance which ensures prompt and efficient medical emergency response, prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff. This critical resource helps save lives, reduces response times, and provides peace of mind for the campus community.
4. Support for the historic completion of the Students’ Union Building after over a Decade of Abandonment
We supported the historic completion of the Students’ Union Building, a project that was abandoned for over a decade. This effort does not only demonstrate our commitment to student welfare, but it also serves as a vibrant hub for student activities.
5. Periodic Conduct of Students’ Government Election
We demonstrated our commitment to student empowerment and democratic participation by periodically conducting Students’ Government Elections. This regular exercise fosters leadership development, civic engagement, and student involvement in governance, ultimately enriching the campus experience.
6. Review of Students’ Information Handbook
We reviewed the Students’ Information Handbook and ensured that students have access to accurate, relevant, and timely information, facilitating their academic journey and overall experience within the institution.
7. Relocation of Students Centre to a more Conducive and Organized Location
We successfully relocated the Students’ Centres to a more conducive and organized location, enhancing the overall student experience. This strategic move provides a centralized hub for student activities, fostering a sense of community, socialization, and engagement among students.
G. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INITIATIVE
Ladies and Gentlemen, as an administration, we acknowledge the importance of a functional and vibrant Alumni Association. We also believe that through productive collaboration with such body, the Polytechnic can be strengthened academically, morally and physically. We are also aware that the Polytechnic has produced young men and women who are doing very well in various fields of human endeavour. That was why we considered it worthwhile to ensure the emergence of Kogi State Polytechnic Alumni Association. Today, the Association is not only in place, it also has a functional, vibrant and robust secretariat in the Polytechnic through our efforts. The Association has built a car park for the Principal Officers of the Polytechnic and they are poised to do more.
H. ACADEMIC CEREMONIES AND INNOVATIONS
1. 4th Combined Convocation Ceremony
Gentlemen of the Press, we inherited backlogs of Convocation dated to as far as back as 2013/2014 academic session. We considered this a breach of academic tradition, got the approval and support of Kogi State Government and organised the 4th Combined Convocation Ceremonies for the institution in January, 2024. We combined the graduation of graduands for the 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions, comprising a total of seven thousand, six hundred and fifty-three (7,653) National Diploma graduands and four thousand, four hundred and twenty-seven (4,427) Higher National Diploma graduands. The graduation summary was the highest since the inception of the Polytechnic; a significant indication that Kogi State Polytechnic was firmly poised to contribute to quality manpower needs of the Country.
2. Successful Organization of the First Inaugural Lecture
The institution achieved a historic milestone with the successful organization of its First Inaugural Lecture, a groundbreaking event that marked a significant first in its illustrious history. This inaugural lecture series sets the stage for showcasing academic excellence, promoting scholarship, and fostering a culture of intellectual discourse within the institution.
3. Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)
The institution has successfully followed up and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to facilitate collaboration and support the launch of the Departments of Aerospace Engineering Technology and Mechatronics Engineering Technology at the School of Engineering, Itakpe. The MoU signing took place on December 7, 2022, at the NASRDA headquarters in Abuja, with the Director General of NASRDA
I. RESTORATION OF DSICIPLINE
1. Restoration of Discipline and Job Ethics amongst Staff
We have successfully restored a culture of discipline and job ethics amongst staff, promoting a work environment characterized by professionalism, accountability, and dedication. Through strategic interventions and leadership initiatives, the management has reinvigorated the workforce, emphasizing the importance of adherence to established standards, protocols, and codes of conduct. This renewed emphasis on discipline and job ethics has significantly enhanced the institution’s operational efficiency, service delivery, and overall reputation.
2. Courageous Ejection of the Zango Market Operators and Land Grabbers from the Front of the ltakpe Campus
We demonstrated our courage and determination by successfully ejecting the Zango market operators and their illicit activities from the front of the Itakpe Campus, in collaboration with law enforcement. This bold move has rid the campus of the nefarious activities of land grabbers and market operators, restoring a safe and secure environment conducive for academic pursuits.
3. Frontal Tackling of Cultism, Examination Misconduct, Indiscipline and other Social Vices
We launched a robust and unrelenting crackdown on cultism, examination misconduct, indiscipline, and other social vices and this has ensured a safe, secure, and orderly academic environment.
4. Courageous and Audacious Zero Tolerance for unethical/Sharp Practices
We adopted a bold and unwavering stance against unethical practices, declaring a zero-tolerance policy towards extortion, imposition of textbooks on students, and other sharp practices that undermine academic integrity. This stance demonstrates our commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability, ensuring a fair and just learning environment for all students.
CONCLUSION
Gentlemen of the Press, permit me to end this interaction with a quote from Ratan Tata who said: “Take the stones people throw at you and use them to build a monument”. In the same vein, I am encouraged by the words of a great philosopher who said: “Great leaders don’t set out to be leaders…they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role; it’s always about the goal”.
We did not come to Kogi State Polytechnic because of the role of leadership bestowed on us; but because of the goals we set out to achieve. These goals are encapsulated in our vision for the Polytechnic under the 3R mantra of Repair, Reform and Restore.
Gentlemen of the press, apart from God Almighty, you are the only ones best positioned to assess, using your vantage position as watchdog of the society, as to whether we have delivered on those goals. We leave you to judge and judge fairly as close the chapter of our first mandate and begin a new era of trust bestowed on us.
I remain grateful for the tremendous support and partnership we have enjoyed from you. It is our hope that this will be sustained as we move to the next phase of the advancement of the Polytechnic.
Above all, I am profoundly grateful to God for keeping and sustaining me and members of my team all through. On a special note, I want to beseech you to help me to appreciate my benefactors, the immediate past and current Governors and Visitors to the institution, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, and His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the huge trust and guidance that resulted in the humble impact we have recorded within the period.
My profound appreciation to Chairman and members of the 9th Governing Council, Principal Officers, Management, members of Academic Board, government functionaries, security agencies, traditional rulers, members of staff and my dear students for the tremendous support we enjoyed from you. I remain eternally indebted to you all. If in your assessment, you feel we have been able to repair, reform and restore the Polytechnic to its lost glory, the credit goes to you. However, in whatever area you feel we have not met your expectations, I accept full responsibility.
Finally, just as I said during the 4th combined Convocation of the Polytechnic, the task of Repairing, Reforming and Restoring Kogi State Polytechnic is a work in progress. As we commence the next phase of our restoration efforts, I enjoin us to continue to give our quotas selflessly so as to leave behind a legacy that history may be kind to us.
Thank you for your rapt attention, and God Bless.
Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, PhD, FCIA, FABEN
Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.