The Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, has warned newly admitted students to focus on their academic pursuits and shun social vices.
The Rector gave the warning during the 30th matriculation ceremony of the institution in Lokoja on Thursday.
Dr. Salisu said the Polytechnic will not award its certificate to students who are deficient in character and in learning.
While warning that indiscipline, poor academic performance, unruly behavior and insubordination are highly forbidden in Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr Salisu explained that the institution has zero tolerance for all forms of social vices, such as cultism, gun-running, examination malpractice, alcoholism, unhealthy social gatherings, cyber crimes, incitement to violence, gangsterism, misuse and distribution of school property, stealing, and indecent dressing.
“Act of cultism is completely forbidden on our campus. All the visible and invisible security architectures of the Polytechnic placed in so many strategic places have preventive mechanisms to deal with cultists, their sympathizers and sponsors.
”Students are advised to stay safe and free from all cult-related lifestyles. Students are also advised to report any move intended to intimidate, lure them into or them in cultism from any quarters to the Security Unit,” he warned.
Dr Ogbo reiterated that the Polytechnic does not tolerate any act of religious fanaticism or religious intolerance of any form adding that, the ban on all tribal association on campus still stand.
According to him, the salient mission of the Polytechnic is to build an environment that is conducive to group and independent learning experiences.
“Our hope and desire is that you will be the principal beneficiaries of this slogan. We are keen on training students that will represent the pride and good image of the institution, and I have no doubt that this current set will play significant role.
“We will continue to work towards making the Polytechnic environment more friendly for you to learn and ensure your personal growth and development. We shall also continue to ensure that our graduates are responsible citizens who will contribute to the development of our dear Country, Nigeria.
“Our unique programmes are intended to mould you the nght way, with positive mental attitude and skills to enable you compete with your contemporaries in the larger world. Our efforts are therefore geared towards delivering high quality, enduring and independent education that will stand the test of time.
“Here at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja and our Itakpe campus, we have recorded notable milestones in structural and systemic development which are geared towards making learning in the Polytechnic worthwhile. Our drive towards achieving infrastructural development is a true evidence of our action which again is student-centred”.
Kogi state polytechnic matriculated 6,387 students into the institution.
Dr Ogbo said the matriculating student consist of 4,786 National Diploma I and 1,601 Higher National Diploma I.
In his goodwill message, the Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones commended the Rector for his achievement since he emerged the Chief Executive Officer of the Polytechnic.
According to him, under the present leadership, the Polytechnic has witnessed a tremendous progress compared to what was obtainable in previous administration.
While congratulating the matriculating students, Hon. Jones said the present administration remains committed in revamping education in Kogi State.
He said Alhaji Yahaya Bello-led government is paying attention to technical and vocational education which will make positive impacts in Nigeria economy.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi lauded the Rector for his remarkable achievements.
While reiterating his institution collaboration with the Polytechnic in achieving an enviable height, Prof Akinwunmi admonished the students to avoid undue radicalism, adding that fighting an institution spells doom for any student in who intend to achieve success in his academic pursuit.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Yusuf Adeshina, who was represented by an Assistant Commissioner of Police in the state, identified abuse of drugs and cultism as some of the problem security agencies are tackling in major institution in the country.
He warned that, any student caught will face the full wrath of the law.
