By Uredo Omale.
The Kogi State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology has pledged to assist Kogi State Polytechnic in the maintenance of security and ensuring infrastructural and academic advancement.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Kilani Olusola Olumo who dropped the hints when the committee paid an oversight visit to the institution said it was the desire to advance the cause of the institution that informed their decision to visit and interact with the leadership of the institution.
He stressed that as part of her constitutional responsibilities, the House would like to be availed on the plans and strategies of the leadership of the institution in improving security and advancing academic activities.
He congratulated the Acting Rector on his well-deserved appointment and expressed the commitment of the Committee to the success of his plans and programmes for the Polytechnic.
In his response, the Acting Rector, Dr S.O Usman, thanked the Committee for the visit and specifically applauded the humility of the chairman in agreeing to the change in the date of the visitation at the instance of the institution.
He appealed to the Chairman and members of the Committee to help appreciate Governor Yahaya Bello for appointing the youngest and first alumnus to serve as Rector of the institution.
He stressed that he would use the academic and administrative experiences he garnered at the University of Ilorin and Kogi State University to marshal effective leadership for the institution.
He informed the Committee that the first step he took on assumption of office was to establish town-gown relationship by way of visitation to Royal fathers.
This he said took the Polytechnic leadership to the palaces of Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfe, the Maigari of Lokoja, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, the Obaro of Kabba, the Onuh of Ankpa and the Attah of Igala.
He stressed that such interface was required as the staff, students and business people in the Polytechnic are subjects of the traditional rulers, adding that if there are issues, they can be called upon for guidance and resolution.
The Acting Rector further informed the Committe of the planned ICT revolution on campus which he said would culminate in moving from paper-based to paperless academic activities and administration.
He said that he met an under utilized and mismanaged ICT facilities to the point that there was no internet access on the campus for the past five years.
To solve the problem, the Acting Rector informed the Committee that the ICT unit has been upgraded into a full Directorate (Information Technology Resource Centre) headed by a Director and charged with several responsibilities among which include the immediate return of internet to the campus, commencement of e-learning and CBT examinations, amongst others.
Dr Usman told the chairman that, in view of of his strong background in ICT, the Polytechnic would disturb him from time to time, as there would be a lot to draw from his expertise.
The Acting Rector further disclosed that since assumption of office, he had set up not less than 22 commmitees which had begun to turn in reports for implementation.
One of such, he stressed, is the Committee on Stalled Students Hostel Projects, which recommended Public Private Partnership for the completion of the projects.
He added that in view of the recommendation, the Polytechnic has entered into PPP arrangement with Zenith Bank and that the terms of engagements have been forwarded to His Excellency for approval.
Dr Usman added further that there are abandoned TETFUND projects for up to 10 years, and that on the basis of a Committee recommendation, the recently established Legal Unit of the institution has been drafted into ensuring effective prosecution that could bring the culprits to book.
On health, the Acting Rector informed the Committee that he met a 3-bed clinic in an institution of over 1,000 staff and over 22,000 students, and explained that the old library been earmarked for renovation and partitioning to create a 30-bed clinic that would cater for the health needs of students, staff and the immediate community, in addition to boosting the IGR of the institution.
On security, Dr Usman emphasised that the last the gun shot heard on the campus prior to his assumption of office would remain the last, as his administration has zero tolerance for cultism and cult related activities.
To tackle the menace, he stressed that two commmitees were set up on security with the students representatives fully involved.
He added that in view of the shortage of funds for award of contracts, a 9-room security office was being erected at the campus entrance through the use of expertise of staff from relevant departments and donations from corporate bodies and individuals.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the building is completed before his first 100 days in office.
Other efforts enumerated by the Acting Rector include the Land scaping at the gate, erection of water fountain and beautification of the Polytechnic environment.
Apart from the Chairman, other members of the Committee who visited and exchanged robust ideas with leadership of the institution include Hon. Ibrahim Saudi, the Vice Chairman and member representing Adavi, Hon. Cosmos Attabor Henry, member representing Igalamela, Hon. Paul Enema, member representing Okura, Hon. Attajachi Suleiman, member representing Idah and Hon. Jimoh Omiata, member representing Yagba East.
The interactive session was also attended by the Deputy Rector, Dr K.F Lamidi, the Acting Registrar, Mr I.O. Z Raji, the Acting Bursar, Mr Adebola Osho, the Acting Polytechnic Librarian, Mrs O. O. M Audu and the Acting Director, Works and Services, Engr Sunday Adanu.
