By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Fresh concerns over alleged cult activities, sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, have unsettled the institution, with management confirming the suspension of seven lecturers amid ongoing investigations.
The development has heightened anxiety among students and staff, following allegations that cult-related activities are resurfacing on campus and that some female students are being subjected to sexual advances in exchange for academic favours.
While the more serious allegations remain under investigation, the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, John Amos Onimisi, confirmed that management had already taken disciplinary action against lecturers over some of the complaints.
Onimisi said six lecturers were suspended on July 22, 2026, over the alleged unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks, while another lecturer was suspended over an allegation of sexual harassment.
He said the institution’s disciplinary committee was investigating the cases and would take appropriate action based on its findings.
The management’s response came amid claims by students and sources within the Polytechnic that disciplinary standards on campus had weakened, allegedly creating room for the resurgence of practices previously subjected to tighter controls.
Students and internal sources alleged that some female students had recently faced inappropriate demands from lecturers, including claims that academic outcomes were being linked to sexual advances or payments.
The allegations reportedly involve lecturers in the Public Administration and Graphic Design departments, although no names were provided.
One source alleged that a female student was instructed by a lecturer to arrange and pay for a hotel room before an academic matter concerning her could be resolved.
The student was said to have reported the matter to a management official, although the source claimed that no satisfactory intervention had yet been received.
Other allegations claimed that some students were being threatened with poor grades unless they submitted to sexual demands or paid between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 for favourable examination outcomes.
The claims have not been independently established, and the Polytechnic said its disciplinary process would determine the facts.
Beyond allegations of sexual harassment, students also expressed concern over what they described as signs of renewed cult activity on the campus.
One source claimed that suspected initiation activities had returned, including an alleged midnight gathering near a female hostel about two weeks ago.
The source further alleged that security personnel were alerted but that concerns remained over the institution’s response.
The allegations have revived memories of concerns over cultism and student security that students said had previously been tackled through stricter disciplinary measures.
Students also complained about the alleged continued sale of unauthorised handouts and textbooks by some lecturers despite the financial pressure created by increased school fees.
According to the sources, some lecturers allegedly compel students to purchase course materials, a practice they said could place additional burdens on students already struggling with rising educational costs.
Management, however, has confirmed disciplinary action against six lecturers over the unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks, suggesting that the issue is already receiving institutional attention.
The students and sources appealed to Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to intervene and ensure that the Polytechnic maintains strong standards of discipline, security and academic integrity.
They warned that failure to decisively address misconduct could undermine confidence in the institution and expose students and staff to avoidable risks.
For now, the most serious allegations — particularly those concerning cult initiation and sex-for-marks — remain subject to investigation.
But the suspension of seven lecturers has added weight to calls for greater scrutiny of the institution’s disciplinary systems.
The Polytechnic management has assured that the disciplinary committee will investigate the allegations and that appropriate action will be taken where wrongdoing is established.
It also promised to make the outcome of the investigations available to journalists.