Following investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and examination misconduct, the Governing Council of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Kogi State, has announced the dismissal of four lecturers.
The decision was made during the university’s second council meeting, which was held recently in Lokoja, under the leadership of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba.

In a statement, the council expressed its appreciation for the university’s management for adhering to due process throughout the investigation.
The council made it clear that any form of unethical behavior would not be tolerated at the institution and emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the university.

The dismissed lecturers were found guilty of misconduct related to both sexual harassment and improper examination practices. The council underscored that such behavior is unacceptable in the academic environment and vowed to take further action if necessary.

Additionally, the council called on the university to address other pending misconduct cases swiftly, particularly a high-profile matter in the Faculty of Science that has garnered significant media attention. The council stressed that no allegation of wrongdoing would be ignored or swept under the rug.

The council also issued a strong warning to staff and faculty members to adhere to ethical standards and cautioned students to speak out if they experience any form of harassment or exploitation. The university urged students to report such incidents to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment for all.

This move reflects the university’s firm stance on upholding academic integrity and creating a harassment-free atmosphere for students and staff alike.

***Seeks partnership with NUJ to achieve set goals

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

Kogi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) towards encouraging business activities in the state’s regulatory environment for both private and corporate organizations to operate in the State.
Director-General, Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency, (KUIMCA) Alhaji Taufiq Isa, disclosed this when he received in audience, the State Executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council.
Alhaji Isa, who received the Exco, led by the Council Chairman, Alhaji Seidu Ademu Haruna in Lokoja, said the Agency had been repositioned to perform its duty efficiently, to check non-compliance with state laws and regulations by companies and business bodies operating in the state.
According to him, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo has given the agency all that is needed to perform optimally and generate more revenue for the State and as well, encourage investors to see Kogi as a reasonable investment destination.
With this, Kogi State government is poised to provide conducive environment for the starting and operation of businesses especially, local firms.
The DG said that he, in collaboration with the Agency’s Board and management, would not allow individuals or organizations to short-change the State saying that the present administration is building on a solid foundation laid by the immediate past government of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
He appealed to the leadership of the professional body of the journalists, the NUJ, for continued support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo administration’s quest to achieve its goals and for them to see the State as partners in progress towards achieving set goals.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Council Chairman of NUJ, Alhaji Seidu Ademu Haruna, said that the Council was poised to collaborate with KUIMCA as an Agency saddled with enormous task of managing the state infrastructure for overall progress and development of Kogi State.
The NUJ Chairman commended Governor Ododo for appointing a seasoned technocrat and goal-getter to manage the affairs of the Agency considering the sensitive nature of its assignments and operations.
Alhaji Seidu reiterated the crucial place of collaboration between the NUJ and the Agency and assured the Director-General of the Agency of sustenance of the existing robust synergy.
Board Members of KUIMCA, present during the visit, Hon. Olayinka Emmanuel, Hon. Suleiman Onimisi Abdullahi and Hon. Agada Paul as well as Directors of the Agency all restated their commitment to supporting the DG to achieve the Agency’s mandate. (Ends)

Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho), representing Kogi East, has extended his support to hundreds of widows across the Senatorial disctrict with the donation of 50 kg bags of rice and cash.
His special Adviser on Media Mikail Ibrahim in a statement that was made available to tye National Update in Abuja on Sunday indicated that the philanthropic effort is part of a weeklong empowerment program aimed at providing relief and support to vulnerable members of the community.

The distribution, which began last week and continued on Sunday, the statement said has witnessed a large turnout of beneficiaries, many of whom expressed deep gratitude for the assistance, particularly amid ongoing economic difficulties.
The statement pointed out that that Senator’s initiative is seeking not only to address food insecurity but also to empower the widows by providing them with the financial resources needed to manage their households effectively.
A representative of the senator, Alhaji Danlami Garba, emphasized the importance of supporting widows, who often face significant economic hardship after the loss of their spouses.
He highlighted that by combining food assistance with cash donations, the senator is empowering the women to make independent choices that best suit their families’ needs, thus fostering both dignity and self-reliance.

Echocho’s empowerment programs also target to uplift the youth and women through education, skills training, and entrepreneurship to create a sustainable and supportive environment for community development.

The senator’s initiative is a reflection of sustained effort to strengthen Kogi East’s economy, provide hope for a better future, and promote resilience among the most vulnerable groups.