***Gives account of transformational first tenure
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Leaders at all levels should be accountable to the people and subject themselves to public scrutiny to justify the mandate entrusted to them, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has charged
Prof. Ogbo Usman made the call at a Press Conference at the Lokoja campus of the institution to mark the end of his first tenure in office which he described as “Remarkable transformation, bold reforms, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
The Rector whose second tenure commenced Wednesday 12th February, 2025 reiterated the crucial position of accountability, transparency and probity in leadership.
Prof. Usman expressed profound gratitude to the immediate past Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for appointing him against all odds, as Rector in acting capacity on April 7, 2020, and confirming him as substantive Rector on February 12, 2021.
He also thanked the incumbent Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for reappointing him for a second term in June, 2024, acknowledging the trust reposed in him to advance his mission.
“While my initial appointment and confirmation were iconic moments in my life, my reappointment for a second term humbles me beyond measure.
“I, therefore, consider it a huge disservice to the trust reposed in me by these two leaders if I fail to provide highlights of how I have implemented their governance vision through the mandate given to me.”
He attributed the monumental infrastructural and academic feat attained under his leadership in the eclipsing first tenure to focus and prudent management of resources for which he has continually subjected himself to public scrutiny.
Reeling out his achievements in the last four years, the Professor of Political Economy said all the 57 programmes being run by the institution had full National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Accreditation.
He said that 19 of the 57 programmes were introduced under his leadership adding that the Polytechnic now has a functional library which could he described as one of the best among Polytechnics in the country.
On infrastructure development, the Rector noted that to close the infrastructure gaps and restore the lost glory of the institution, he introduced the 3R-Mission of “Repair, Reform and Restore” as part of his key strategies.
Under his leadership, a security House was built, there was upgrade of health centre, construction of Academic complex, Studio for School of Art and Design among many others.
Prof. Usman hinted that to ensure Quality Assurance and Academic Development, the institution introduced measures aimed at strengthening the culture of academic excellence and improve the quality of academic services.
On security, the Rector revealed that his administration had waged an “unrelenting war against criminality” on campus, adding that the Polytechnic constructed and dedicated a security building to former Governor Yahaya Bello.
It also installed CCTV cameras across the institution, and strengthened collaborations with security agencies, leading to the arrest of over 100 individuals involved in criminal activities.
He also cited provision of security patrol vehicles, solar street lights (100 of which were provided by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo) and continuous clearing of bushes on the campuses
Prof. Usman hinted that with the different measures put in place to ensure security on the campuses, the institution averted 107 security threats between May, 2020 and January, 2025. (Ends)