The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), has commended the Professor Avidime led Management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, for its commitment to students’ welfare and called for sustained engagement between the institution and student leadership in addressing issues affecting students.
The commendation followed an interface between the Principal Officers of the Polytechnic and a delegation of student leaders led by the NANS JCC Chairman, Rotr. Adams Ojonache Abdulrazaq, alongside the Vice President, National Affairs of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comr. Agada Noah. The delegation raised concerns over the portal access fee and its implications for students’ financial obligations, while appealing to Management for review and to sustain its student-centred approach.
This was made known by John Amos Onimisi, Acting Co-ordinator, Directorate of Public Relations and Protocols, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, in a statement on Tuesday.
Appreciating the delegation for the visit, the Rector, Prof. Salihu Sanusi Avidime, described the engagement as a welcome development, particularly as it marked the first time since his assumption of office that he was receiving a students’ body from outside the Polytechnic. He briefed the delegation that every decision the Management had taken under his leadership had been in the best interest of the students, particularly with efforts to keep their academic and administrative records intact, safe and updated.
”The Management would not deliberately take any action capable of jeopardizing the welfare or interests of our students; I assure you that the overall interest of the students would continue to guide our decisions”, he stated.
The Rector proceeded to point to a number of ongoing interventions targeted at improving students’ campus experience, including the provision of two motorized boreholes to address water challenges, the comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the Polytechnic Library into a modern facility, and the construction of a 124-bed-space students’ hostel. He also highlighted the ongoing renovation and remodelling of hostels at the Itakpe Campus as part of broader efforts to improve students’ accommodation and living conditions.
These interventions, alongside the Rector’s demonstrated openness to dialogue and responsiveness to students’ concerns, underscore an administration that places students at the heart of its priorities. A Rector who commits institutional resources to improving students’ basic needs, learning environment and accommodation, while maintaining an open channel for engagement with their representatives, demonstrates a student-friendly leadership approach anchored on responsiveness and inclusion.
The interface ended with a renewed commitment to dialogue, mutual understanding and continued collaboration, with both the Polytechnic Management and student representatives expressing the need for sustained engagement in addressing students’ concerns and advancing their interests. The meeting further underscored the administration’s resolve to maintain an open channel of communication with students and their representative bodies.
In attendance at the meeting were the Principal Officers of the Polytechnic, the Ag. Dean, Directorate of Student Services, the Ag. Co-ordinator, Directorate of Information Technology and Resource Center (ITRC), students leader and other relevant stakeholders.
