By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, says effective security remains the backbone of quality education in tertiary institutions.
Speaking at the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Stewardship Forum in Lokoja, Usman said the polytechnic had tightened campus security through CCTV surveillance, improved lighting, training of security operatives and a ban on unruly “signing-out” parades.
He explained that the measures had forced cultism and related activities to “vacate” the Lokoja and Osara campuses. “There can be no learning or character moulding in an atmosphere of insecurity,” he said.
The rector added that the polytechnic has adopted a zero-tolerance stance on extortion and unethical practices, introduced computer-based tests, and now posts semester results online to promote transparency.
On academic growth, Usman disclosed that 47 programmes had scaled accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), while new directorates in Legal, IT, Sports and Resource Management were established. The school has also sealed academic linkages with Federal University Lokoja for top-up and undergraduate degree programmes.
He further highlighted improvements in infrastructure, staff and student welfare as part of his administration’s reforms.
Earlier, Chapel Chairman, Segun Salami of Channels Television, said the forum was created to allow journalists engage public officials and assess their stewardship.
