***urges them to be sterling examples of what moral discipline
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja has formally admitted and matriculate a total of 4,349 new students into various programmes of the institution for the 2023/2024 and urged to strive towards academic excellence and steer off vices.
Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, Rector of the Polytechnic who disclosed in his address at the 31st Matriculation Ceremony of the Polytechnic, on Tuesday in Lokoja also urged the students to desist from all forms of cultist activities.
Dr Ogbo Usman said that the matriculation ceremony is the fourth (4th) since he came on board as Rector, was meant to bring to an end, the admission exercise for the 2023/2024 academic session and formally admit the new students into various programmes of the Polytechnic.
According to the him, National Diploma (ND) programme has 3,124 matriculating students while the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme has 1,225 spread across Schools and Departments of the institution.
He said that the students would be admitted into Departments in the Schools of Agricultural Technology, Applied Sciences, Art Design and Printing, Engineering, Environmental Technology and Management Studies.
Dr Ogbo Usman described the Polytechnic as a student-centered Institution in all ramifications adding that part of the mission was to build an environment conducive to group and independent learning experiences.
The Rector urged that students to steer clear of all vices saying, “In this regard, I must inform you that we have zero tolerance for all forms of social vices such as cultism, gun-running, examination malpractices.
“Drug abuse, alcoholic addiction, unhealthy social gatherings, cybercrimes, incitement to violence, gangsterism, misuse and destruction of public property, stealing, indecent dressing, among others.
“Let me particularly emphasize on cultism, which is completely forbidden on our campus. You are therefore warned to desist from any form of luring cultist related activities.
“It may interest you to know that, we have specifically put in place all visible and invisible security architectures in strategic places to deal with cultists, their sympathizers and sponsors.
“You are therefore advised to stay free of all cult-related lifestyles. You are also advised to report any move intended to intimidate and lure you into or enlist you into cultism.
“We encourage you to be sterling examples of what moral discipline is. You are advised to dress modestly and in accordance with the acceptable standards.
“However, let me use this opportunity to further reiterate that the ban on all tribal associations on campus is still in force until further notice. This is in the interest of collectivity and harmonious coexistence on the campus”, he said.
The Rector further warned against indecent dressing saying that Undue exposure of body parts considered provocative to the sensibilities of others and would be severely dealt with.
On religion, he said that the Polytechnic has three official worship centres on the campus, namely the Central Mosque (for Muslims), Chapel of Peace, and Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Church (for Christians).
“Kogi State Polytechnic does not tolerate any act of religious fanaticism or intolerance of any form. Any incitement to religious violence and disharmony on this Campus will be met with official sanction.
Dr Ogbo Usman expressed his profound appreciation to the Immediate Past Governor of the State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello (CON) for the invaluable support his administration to the institution.
He also congratulated the newly inaugurated Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his successful inauguration on Saturday 27th expressing confidence that his administration would consolidate on the laudable legacies of his immediate predecessor. (Ends)