The Kogi state polytechnic, Lokoja, has matriculated a total of 6,549 students for the 2024/2025 academic session, spreading across eight schools with 57 various programmes.

The institution’s rector, Salisu Usman, disclosed this at the 32nd matriculation and orientation ceremonies on Saturday at polytechnic campus, Lokoja.

Mr Usman said that out of the 57 programmes in the institution, 19 of them were introduced under his administration, representing 33.3 per cent of all programmes in the polytechnic.

Mr Usman noted that the institution had recorded notable milestones in structural and academic development, geared towards making learning worthwhile for students at the institution.

He stressed that the institution remained committed to driving towards achieving infrastructural development as reflected in conducive structures spread across its schools and departments.

The rector cautioned the students against indulging in social vices such as gun-running, exam malpractice, drug abuse, alcoholic addiction, unhealthy social gatherings, cybercrimes, incitement to violence, gangsterism, among others.

He warned that running afoul of the law would attract appropriate penalties, including outright expulsion and prosecution.

He commended the former governor Yahaya Bello for his foresight and doggedness responsible for the unprecedented, stable and predictable academic calendar being enjoyed across the state owned tertiary institutions.

“Today, I am pleased to inform you that we have indigenes from 32 states across the country that are being matriculated.

“What this means is that 88.9 per cent of states in the federation are represented in our enrolment for the 2024/2025 academic session. This represents 16.7 per cent increase in the spread of the enrollees over the previous years.

“This goes to show that, at Kogi State Polytechnic, we are living true to the appellation of Kogi State as a ‘confluence of opportunities’ and melting pot of all shades of cultures and traditions,” he said.

The rector also appreciated Gov. Ahmed Ododo, for his commitment and dedication to the sustainable growth and development of the great institution.

He added, “I want to specially appreciate him for the historic fencing of the Itakpe Campus which had remained porous since inception.

“I equally appreciate him for the installation of CCTC camera on both campuses for security surveillance so as to enhance conducive environment for teaching, learning and research”. 

(NAN)