Education
Kogi Poly Security arrests, hands over suspected cultist to Police
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Security operatives in Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, have arrested a suspected cultist, one Jeremiah Moses alleged to be on a mission to initiate students of the Institution.
Moses who is not a student of the Polytechnic was arrested at the gate of the Lokoja campus on September 30, while in the company of three students of the Institution.
Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the Polytechnic Mrs Uredo Omale, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lokoja.
Omale said that the culprit who claimed to be a University graduate, along with his alleged accomplices, attempted to invade the Polytechnic on Friday when HND II Public Administration students were writing their final papers.
According to her, Moses who claimed to be an Igbo by tribe but currently resides at Anyigba with his Father said his mother was resident in Lokoja.
Omale further explained that the Chief Security Officer of the Polytechnic, had reported that the suspect came to the campus in a metallic Toyota Camry with Registration Number: LKJ 22 HK, in company of Bakawo Abdul (M), Abdul Muktar (M) and the driver whose name is so far unknown.
She said that in the course of their interception and interrogation by the Polytechnic’s security officers, the suspect, Jeremiah Moses and the three others in the car got out and took to their heels.
They were however, given a hot chase by the security personnel who later apprehended Moses wearing a cap (beret) with the Insignia of Aye secret cult confraternity while the rest three escaped.
According to the institution’s Head of PR and Protocol Unit, Moses has since been handed over to the police for further investigation while efforts are being made to get the fleeing three suspects.
She hinted that Campus invasion by cultists at the end of Second Semester Examinations, ostensibly for initiation and attacks, was a routine occurrence in the institution before the inception of the current leadership Dr Salisu Usman Ogbo as Rector.
Omale revealed have, that since the inception of Dr Ogbo led administration, the ritualists have been dealt a severe blow saying that series of attempts to resuscitate cultistism activities in the Polytechnic have been nipped in the bud.
She said that the arrest and subsequent hand over of the suspected cultist to the Police came barely three weeks after the arrest of one Friday Momoh, a suspected illicit drug peddler and cultist.
According to her, Momoh was arrested at the entrance (main campus gate) of the Polytechnic by the eagle-eyed and gallant security operatives of the institution.
It would also be recalled that one Shehu Tenimu Mohammed a student of the Polytechnic, was arrested at the entrance of the institution in 2021, while in possession of arms and ammunition while making his way to the campus.
According to her, the Rector has warned those parading firearms in the institution without authorisation claiming to be security agents to desist or would have the institution’s authority to contend with.
The Rector therefore appealed to all and sundry to operate within the ambit of the law, she said.
The Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to making Nigeria a beacon of educational excellence, emphasizing the critical role of education in driving national progress.
This pledge was made on Thursday during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund to discuss two bills: The Federal Polytechnic Onueke, Ezza South, Ebonyi (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and The Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (Establishment) Bill, 2024
Representing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West) highlighted the Senate’s dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable development through education.
“Education remains a cornerstone for national progress,” Senator Zam noted. “Its accessibility to all Nigerians, irrespective of geographical or socio-economic status, is a priority for this Senate.”
He emphasized that the input of stakeholders at the hearing would underscore a shared resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s educational framework, expand opportunities for intellectual growth, and provide technical and vocational training for the nation’s youth.
Akpabio, through Senator Zam, assured Nigerians of the Senate’s dedication to legislative measures that promote equity, national growth, and prosperity.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, explained that the Federal Polytechnic Onueke Bill aims to bolster technical and vocational education, aligning with the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and enhance socio-economic conditions.
Similarly, Senator Kenneth Eze (Ebonyi Central), sponsor of the Federal Polytechnic Onueke Bill, emphasized that the institution would address pressing challenges in the labor market by focusing on skill-based education, ICT, and applied sciences.
“This initiative represents a paradigm shift for a nation grappling with high unemployment rates. It is a step toward advancing human capital development and securing a brighter future for Nigerian youths, particularly those in Ebonyi State,” Senator Eze said.
The Senate reiterated its commitment to legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening the education sector and creating opportunities for skill acquisition and intellectual development. By supporting these bills, the Senate seeks to position Nigeria as a global leader in education and human capital development.
The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu for six weeks following an alleged bullying incident that was widely circulated on social media.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who emphasized that safety and discipline are paramount in federal schools.
According to Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, the incident involved a gang assault on an SS1 day student and raised serious concerns about student welfare at FGC Enugu.
The viral video prompted the ministry to establish a disciplinary committee to investigate, leading to the temporary suspension of the students involved.
Dr. Alausa has directed the School-Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough probe into any possible external influences.
In addition, the government has introduced enhanced security measures at the college, with law enforcement presence and strengthened safety protocols.
As part of the response, the ministry will also provide counseling and rehabilitation services to promote a safe, positive school environment for all students involved.
The Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, has called for a comprehensive curriculum overhaul in Nigerian universities to better align with global trends and equip graduates with practical skills. Speaking at the 10th special convention of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association in Abuja, Dr. Olusi highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between theory and practical application in Nigerian higher education.
Dr. Olusi noted that while Nigeria is rich in human and natural resources, progress in technology and economic development remains slow due to universities’ focus on theoretical knowledge over hands-on training. He emphasized that significant investments in research and technical skill development are essential for positioning Nigeria as a competitive force in the global economy.
Echoing this sentiment, Ekiti State University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ayodele, called on alumni to contribute to their alma mater, emphasizing that alumni support plays a critical role in building a strong academic foundation and fostering innovative research. The institution’s Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, similarly urged alumni associations to prioritize initiatives that support university growth and student success.
Global President of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, Dipo Bamisaye, stressed the need for Nigerian universities to continuously pursue excellence to remain competitive globally. Dr. Wale Jegede, Chairman of the institution’s Board of Trustees, commended the state governor for his dedication to quality education, particularly through the appointment of capable academics to guide the university’s progress.
The convention also honored notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the university’s development. Among those recognized were Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, former presidential aide Mr. Kingsley Kuku, Chancellor Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, Vice-Chancellor Professor Joseph Ayodele, and BOI MD Dr. Olasupo Olusi.
Reinforcing its commitment to the institution’s advancement, the Bank of Industry recently proposed a 2.5 billion Naira development fund to Ekiti State University, underscoring its dedication to driving growth in Nigeria’s educational sector.
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