- As Polytechnic graduates 2,965 students
The Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, says he took over the leadership of the institution at a defining moment in its history; a period when the institution was without critical governance structures such as the Principal Officers and the Governing Council.
Prof. Usman assumed office as Acting Rector on 7th April, 2020, with his appointment subsequently confirmed on 12th February, 2021, by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.
In June 2024, eight months before the expiration of his first tenure, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo approved the renewal of his appointment with effect from 12th February, 2025.
Few days ago, Governor Ododo appointed him as Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
Addressing newsmen at the 2026 convocation press briefing in Lokoja on Thursday, Prof. Usman used the opportunity to reflect on his stewardship, present verified facts, and place on record the progress recorded since he came on board in April 2020.
He recalled that upon assumption of office, the challenges before him were enormous, but the commitment to reposition the Polytechnic for stability, growth, and academic excellence was resolute.
“Many of us would vividly recall the state of the Polytechnic before our assumption of office. For proper perspective, however, it is important to note that we inherited an institution confronted by numerous deep-seated challenges which were widely considered intractable.
“We took over an institution where cultism and insecurity had gained alarming prominence, with negative implications for academic stability, institutional reputation, and community relations. These and many other threatening social vices subjected the Polytechnic to severe reputational challenges, resulting in persistent negative press and public mistrust.
“We also inherited an institution without functional student hostels, grossly deficient ICT infrastructure, and a campus polarised along ethnic lines. The physical environment was untidy, infrastructure was largely dilapidated, research culture was weak, and there was widespread indiscipline and impunity among some segments of the Polytechnic community.
“Beyond these, the institution’s image had been significantly damaged, with strained and, in some cases, severed relationships with critical funding and regulatory agencies. This was largely due to failed contracts and abandoned projects that had spanned over a decade.
“Academically, the Polytechnic was grappling with prolonged accreditation challenges affecting virtually all programmes, some of which had lingered for as long as nine years. There was also a huge backlog of convocation ceremonies, despite the continuous graduation of students at both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels. Furthermore, several new academic programmes proposed in the institution’s maiden 2013–2018 Strategic Plan had remained unimplemented,” he said.
According to the Rector, to address these systemic gaps and restore the lost glory of the institution, the management articulated and adopted the 3R Mission of Repair, Reform and Restore.
He noted that this guiding philosophy has been diligently implemented through wide consultations, stakeholder engagement, and a robust committee-driven approach.
“I want to state very clearly and unequivocally that we met abandoned projects in Kogi State Polytechnic, but we are leaving no abandoned project behind. I want to also state that we met backlog of examination results in the institution, but we are leaving behind no backlog of results. These milestones are products of deliberate planning, fiscal discipline, and strong institutional governance.
“Let me also stress clearly that we did not come to Kogi State Polytechnic because of the title of leadership bestowed on us, but because of the goals we set out to achieve. These goals are clearly encapsulated in our vision under the 3R mantra of Repair, Reform, and Restore.
“I stated during the 4th Combined Convocation, the task of repairing, reforming, and restoring Kogi State Polytechnic remains a work in progress. As I hand over the baton to the next phase of leadership of the institution, I call on all stakeholders to continue contributing selflessly, so as to leave behind a legacy of fulfillment for the next generation.
“In all, I remain deeply grateful to Allah for the wisdom, guidance, strength, and sustenance bestowed upon us over the past six years. Words are inadequate to fully convey my appreciation for His unfailing love, divine guidance, and protection in all our decisions. All I can say is: O Allah, the Omnipotent and the Most Merciful, I am profoundly grateful,” he said.
Speaking on the 5th combined convocation ceremony, Prof Usman said a total of 2,965 students would be conferred with diplomas, comprising 1,711 National Diploma (ND) graduands and 1,254 Higher National Diploma (HND) graduands.
No fewer than 79 students graduated with distinctions across various academic programmes.
According to him, 41 students earned distinctions at the National Diploma level, while 38 students graduated with distinctions at the Higher National Diploma level from different schools and departments of the institution.
“It is noteworthy that we have a healthy distribution of distinctions, upper credit, lower credit, and pass grades across programmes. This underscores improved academic discipline, integrity in examinations, and enhanced teaching and learning outcomes,” the Rector stated.
He added that the performance profile further reinforces the Polytechnic’s reputation for producing graduates who are academically sound, practically equipped, and industry-ready.
Prof. Usman also noted that the timely release of examination results and the impressive number of graduands are clear indicators that Kogi State Polytechnic has moved from an era of uncertainty to one characterised by predictability, order, and academic confidence.
“This affirms our commitment to ensuring that students graduate as and when due, without unnecessary delays, frustrations, or administrative bottlenecks,” he said.
He expressed deep appreciation to the media for its sustained support and partnership, while urging continued cooperation with the next leadership of the institution.
The Rector also acknowledged the support of the institution’s Visitors, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as well as the 10th Governing Council, management, academic board members, government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, staff, and students.
