***promises flexible payments, sustained quality
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has defended the institution’s recent upward adjustment of tuition fees, saying the move was carefully considered, widely consulted, and essential to maintain educational standards amid soaring economic pressures.
Prof. Usman made this clarification during an interactive session with Student Union leaders and security agencies as the 2025/2026 academic session begins. He stressed that the decision was neither arbitrary nor rushed but followed extensive deliberations by a committee that included key stakeholders.
According to a statement by Uredo Omale, Director of Public Relations and Protocol, the committee benchmarked its recommendations against Kwara State Polytechnic’s fee structure before forwarding them for approval by the Kogi State House of Assembly.
“The last adjustment was seven years ago when petrol was ₦145 and diesel ₦200. Today, petrol sells for ₦890, diesel ₦1,200, and a ream of paper has jumped from ₦500 to ₦5,500,” Usman explained. “We cannot deliver quality education or sustain our facilities without aligning fees to today’s realities.”
He clarified that returning students will continue paying the old rates, while the new structure applies only to incoming students. The Rector also pledged to introduce flexible installment payment plans from the next session to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians.
Prof. Usman reaffirmed the Polytechnic’s commitment to student welfare, campus security, health services, and extracurricular development, warning against attempts by outside actors to stir unrest.
“The last thing I would do is inflict unnecessary hardship on students,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that Kogi Poly remains a place of learning excellence while protecting the future of our young people.”
