…It is a reflection of steady progress in gender balance – Rector
Kogi State Polytechnic has at its 33rd matriculation ceremony matriculated 4,591 students with 52 percent males and 48 percent females, reflecting steady progress in gender balance.
Speaking during the ceremony held at the matriculation ground on Thursday in Lokoja, Salish Ogbo Usman, the rector, disclosed that the occasion is particularly significant to them as it marks the sixth matriculation and orientation ceremony he is privileged to preside over since assuming office, adding that they are deeply grateful to Almighty God for His guidance, protection and enduring grace upon the Polytechnic under his watch.
He said this matriculation marks the formal admission of students into the Polytechnic for the 2025/2026 session.
He said: “This, coupled with the consistency and predictability of our academic calendar, has positioned us for excellence in the fulfillment of our institutional mandate.”
He expressed his profound appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for not only ensuring excellent working environment for them, but for also providing the basic infrastructure and security required teaching and learning to thrive.
He said: “His unwavering commitment to the growth and security of the institution is reflected in the recent fencing of the Itakpe Campus and the installation of CCTV surveillance systems across both campuses, both of which have significantly enhanced safety and learning conditions.
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‘We are also appreciative of the State Health Insurance Scheme and the extended tax exemption on the new minimum wage which have brought considerable measure of relief for the staff of the institution.
“One of the clear dividends of academic stability is the growing national outlook of our Polytechnic. Whereas students from 26 states of the federation were matriculated in the 2023/2024 session, the 2024/2025 intake reflects representation from 32 states, amounting to about 89 percent of the state in the federation. In the current session, the number of states represented in our enrolment figure slightly moves to thirty-three (33), representing 91.66 percent of the states in the federation.
“This remarkable expansion underscores Kogi State Polytechnic’s status as a true melting pot and reinforces our state’s identity as a confluence of opportunities.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today we matriculate a total of 4,591 students into seven (7) Schools and fifty-seven (57) academic programmes of the Polytechnic. Of this number, 2,460 students (54%) are admitted into National Diploma (ND I) programmes, while 2,131 students (46%) are admitted into Higher National Diploma (HND I) programmes.
“The gender distribution is equally encouraging, with 52% male and 48% female, reflecting steady progress in our gender balance.
“The School of Management Studies recorded the highest enrolment with 2,663 students, followed by the School of Applied Sciences with 1,146 students. Other Schools, including Engineering Technology, Environmental Technology, Art, Design and Printing, General and Communication Studies, and Agricultural Technology, also recorded healthy enrolment figures, demonstrating sustained confidence in the relevance and quality of our programmes.”
He pointed out that out of 19 of 57 programmes currently run by the institution were introduced under his administration, representing over 33 percent expansion in academic offerings, adding that this deliberate growth strategy aligns with national manpower needs and global best practice in technical and vocational education.
Ogbo commended the Management, Academic Board, staff and indeed, all members of the Polytechnic community for their dedication and resilience, as he specially acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the non-teaching staff, cleaners, drivers and security personnel, whose quiet dedication sustains the system.
He congratulated the newly-admitted students for successfully emerging from a highly competitive admission process.
“Your admission signifies our confidence in your potential to meet the academic, technical and ethical demands of your chosen programmes.
“Be assured that the Polytechnic remains fully committed to providing a student-centred learning environment, supported by improved infrastructure, modern laboratories, ICT-driven examination systems, a functional library, secure hostels and robust entrepreneurial training facilities.
“We shall continue to uphold discipline, transparency and zero tolerance for all forms of social vices, while promoting peaceful coexistence, responsible leadership and mutual respect.
‘Our emphasis on security, moral discipline and academic integrity is non -negotiable and central to our institutional philosophy.
“Before I conclude, permit me to briefly reflect on the legacy and reforms of the present administration. Since we came on board, our guiding philosophy has been institutional renewal anchored on academic stability, programme expansion, quality assurance, security enhancement and student-centred governance. These reforms have translated into the introduction of new market-driven programmes, strengthened accreditation outcomes, improved result computation and release timelines, expansion of ICT -driven examinations, and deliberate investments in security infrastructure across both campuses.
“We have also pursued inclusive leadership by institutionalising transparency, strengthening staff welfare engagement, and integrating student leadership into governance processes.
“The conduct of regular and credible Student Union elections, culminating in the emergence of the first female SUG President in the history of the Polytechnic, stands as a testament to our belief in equity, participation and leadership development,”
He urged the new students to take full advantage of the opportunities available in this Polytechnic and to conduct themselves in ways that will bring honour to their families, their institution and the nation at large, adding that together they shall continue to reposition Kogi State Polytechnic as a reference point for excellence in polytechnic education in Nigeria.
