By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Polytechnic has officially admitted 6,549 students into its eight schools and 57 accredited programs for the 2024/2025 academic session, with a strong message discouraging engagement in social vices.
At the 22nd Orientation and Matriculation ceremonies held on Saturday at the Lokoja campus, Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, announced that 2,841 students enrolled in Higher National Diploma (HND) programs (1,318 males and 1,523 females), while 3,708 students (1,928 males and 1,980 females) were admitted for National Diploma (ND) programs.
Prof. Usman proudly stated that all 27 programs offered by the Polytechnic now have full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). He emphasized the institution’s commitment to maintaining high standards, saying, “We aim to rebrand this Polytechnic to set benchmarks for other institutions in Nigeria and beyond.”
The Rector also commended former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for establishing a stable and predictable academic calendar in the state’s tertiary institutions. He extended his gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for enhancing security at the Polytechnic, including fencing the Itakpe campus and installing CCTV cameras at both campuses.
Highlighting the institution’s growing diversity, Prof. Usman revealed that students from 32 of Nigeria’s 36 states are now enrolled, representing 88.9% of the country.
In a goodwill message, Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, assured continued legislative support to improve the Polytechnic’s quality of education. She urged the matriculating students to remain focused, avoid social vices, and work towards achieving their academic goals.
The ceremony concluded with the Rector and other dignitaries reaffirming the institution’s vision of academic excellence and its zero tolerance for misconduct.