Kogi State Polytechnic has reclaimed its former glory, Rector Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman declared, attributing the institution’s transformation to his 3R leadership mantra: Repair, Reform, and Restore during nearly six years at the helm.
Prof. Usman spoke at a press briefing ahead of the Polytechnic’s 5th Combined Convocation on Thursday at the main campus in Lokoja, where a total of 6,824 graduands will receive certificates from the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.
The out-going Rector, a Professor of Political Economy and Development, recalled inheriting an institution plagued by deep-seated challenges, including cultism, insecurity, poor hostel facilities, weak ICT infrastructure, and a campus divided along ethnic lines.
“The challenges before us were immense,” Prof. Usman said. “Yet, our determination to reposition the Polytechnic for stability, growth, and academic excellence never wavered.”
He explained that the 3R Mantra became the guiding framework for institutional reforms, executed through consultations, stakeholder engagement, and committee-led initiatives.
At the convocation, 3,892 students will graduate with National Diplomas (ND), while 2,932 will receive Higher National Diplomas (HND). Among them, 117 students will graduate with distinction, comprising 51 ND and 66 HND awardees.
Prof. Usman, recently appointed Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, will formally hand over the Rector’s duties on February 12. He expressed profound gratitude to God, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and current Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whose support he said was pivotal in sustaining critical reforms.
“Their trust and encouragement created the enabling environment for these reforms to take root and flourish,” he said, celebrating a period of unprecedented stability, growth, and academic achievement at Kogi Poly.
The convocation marks not only a celebration of academic excellence but also the culmination of Prof. Usman’s transformative leadership, leaving a legacy that promises to guide the institution into a new era of progress.
Kogi Poly’s Glory Restored Through 3R Mantra – Prof. Ogbo Usman
