Dr. Usman stated this during the budget defense of the institution before the House Committee on Education, Science and Technology.

The Rector noted that instead of increasing tuition fee, the management has decided to introduce new courses that are unique to Polytechnic education such as Mass Communication, Printing Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering among others.

He said the move was to expand spaces to accommodate more students instead of using tuition fee to cause hardship on the people.

Dr. Usman explained that his administration will introduce more innovations and reforms with unflinching support of the State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

By Stephen Adeleye

The Kogi State Government Office of the Public Defender and Citizen’s Right Commission (PDCRC), has organised a two-day training workshop on capacity building for stakeholders in the area of access to justice and human rights and Strategic Plan for 2022 to 2026.

In his opening remarks on Friday in Lokoja, the Director General, Kogi PDCRC, Barr. Abdullahi Zakari, said the essence of the training was to build stakeholders’ capacity and develop Strategic Plan for 2022 to 2026 as Standing Order and Rules of Procedure for PDCRC.

According to Zakari, the stakeholders will produce documents that define the future of the Commission for the next four years and Standing Orders and Rules of procedure to guide and regulate the operations of the Commission.

He added that the goal was to strengthen the Commission to deliver on its mandates and to enable the stakeholders take ownership of the document for ease of implementation of the plans.

He noted that the documents were also required to position the commission to have a global flavour to attract international best practices and possible interventions.

He commended His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, for all that he has done toward ensuring that the Commission performs its functions optimally and efficiently, without any interference.

Zakari also appreciated the Hon. Attorney General and State’s Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ibrahim Sanni Mohammed SAN, for his commitment to ensuring that the Commission get all the needed support and encouragement. He said that the Hon Attorney is zealously nursing the growth of Commission in all fronts.

He disclosed that the commission had between 2020 and 2021, handled 25 cases in High Court, out of which 12 cases had been successfully concluded to inmates who are indigent and who could not afford the service a Lawyer free of Charge.

Zakari added that the Commission had also received 12 cases in 2022 which were presently at various stages of conclusion across the three senatorial districts of the state.

He, therefore urged the participants to be dispassionate in their participation and be committed as much as possible in order to achieve the desired goals.

The DG further called on the general public to report any act of violations relating to human rights or domestic violence to the commission’s office at the state’s Secretariat.

On his part, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Mohammed SAN, said Kogi PDCRC was a product of justice sector reforms and was established in 2019, through the instrumentality of law.

According to Mohammed, PDCRC is an agency of Kogi State Government with the mandate to render free legal services in criminal and civil cases to the indigent and vulnerable residents of the state.

Represented by Mr Badama Kadiri, the Director Public Prosecution, Kogi Ministry of Justice, Mohammed said PDCRC was also saddled with responsibility of ensuring the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights at the state level.

He commended the Governor for making all the necessary provisions to ensure that the commission performed its functions efficiently and independently.

The Attorney General stressed that the training workshop further demonstrated the Governor’s commitment to have a formidable and efficient institution repositioned to deliver on its core mandates in ensuring access to justice for the indigent and vulnerable, and protection of human rights of Kogi residents.

He commended the PDCRC for doing exceedingly well in delivering its mandates, which according to him, is viable for all to see.

He assured that the government would continue to give the necessary support to the commission to enhance its success, and wished the participants a fruitful deliberations.

Also speaking, the Chairman, PDCRC Governing Council: Muizideen Abdullahi Esq., said a healthy justice sector was key to the development of any nation.

He, therefore congratulated the participants for being part of history, and appealed to them to give their maximum cooperation and contributions in order to have a fruitful celebrations at the end of the program.

End

… DESCRIBE GOV. YAHAYA BELLO AS A PROMISE KEEPER IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has through the Kogi Community and Social Development Agency (KCSDA) reassured people Angwa Ogebe in Ankpa Local Government of his administration’s continued support in ensuring increased basic social amenities for community development.

This was disclosed through the General Manager, Alhaji Dauda Momoh while addressing Angwa Ogebe Community Development Management Committee (ACDMC) led by its Chairman Mallam Abdulwahab Danbala at the flagged off ceremony of a block of Classrooms and a borehole on Friday, June, 2022 at the Angwa Ogebe.

The Managing Director appreciate the exemplary and dedicated leadership style of Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for his relentless effort in ensuring that Kogi State benefits from World Bank grants.

Alhaji Dauda specially thanked the facilitator, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman for being a true ambassador of the Governor and his community of origin in facilitating and paying the counterparts fund on behalf of the community.

In his remark, Dr. Usman Ogbo, Rector, Kogi state Polytechnic, Lokoja described Governor Yahaya Bello as selfless and people oriented leader whose interest is to see the development of every parts of the state particularly at the community level.

Dr. Usman urged the community to prudently and transparently utilize the fund for what it was released for to justify the confidence reposed in them.

While Presenting the Financing Agreement Form and Grant Check on behalf of the General Manager to the Chairman of the host community, Dr. Usman reiterated the need for provision of basic amenities for community development remains paramount to all concerned.

He assured the host community of Governor Bello’s unrestrained efforts to see to the completion of all projects initiated by his administration for the benefits of mankind.

The Kogi Poly Rector further disclosed that the achievement recorded thus far in Kogi state Polytechnic, Lokoja and the facilitation of the projects wouldn’t have been possible without the uncommon support, unending encouragement and enabling environment created by his principal, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello whom he described as a promise keeper and pillar of support at all times.

Earlier, Dr. Usman joined the team to another community for the flag off of similar projects at Abache where cheques for construction of a clinic and a borehole were also presented to the leader of the community.

In attendance at the events were the Ankpa Local Government Chairman who was represented by the Council Secretary, Hon. Idris Akus, Ward Councilors, traditional rulers, Imams, youths and mammoth crowd from the host communities alongside Management of Kogi Community and Social Development Agency.

• BinMalik
  Reporting from Ankpa LGA,
  Kogi state.

The 100 percent success achieved at the recent accreditation exercise conducted by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has been attributed to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for his unflinching commitment to the development of education in the State.

Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman, disclosed this on Tuesday 21st June, 2022, while presenting the results of the accreditation to the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Honourable Wemi Jones.

The Rector stressed that His Excellency demonstrated exemplary commitment and relentless support which led to the huge success recorded.

Dr. Usman added that leadership and guide provided by the Honourable Commissioner of Education and the Governing Council led by Professor Yakubu Isa as well as quality working relationship enjoyed from the management, staff and students of the institution also contributed to the huge successes recorded.

The Rector who paid growing tributes to His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for the opportunity granted him, also promised that more reforms will be introduced in the institution so as to place it among the comity of best Polytechnics in Nigeria.

The State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Honourable Wemi Jones, commended Dr. Usman for his tremendous efforts in giving the institution a facelift in infrastructure and academic standards, and noted that the successful accreditation by the institution was the mother of all for the state owned tertiary institutions.

The Commissioner also thanked His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for making the success possible.

Hon. Wemi Jones who described Dr. Usman as a blessing and a perfect fit to manage the affairs of the Polytechnic also promised that the Ministry would continue to provide necessary support to all parastatals and agencies of education in the State.

Meanwhile, the Governing Council of Kogi State Polytechnic has congratulated the Rector, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman on the full successes recorded at the Accreditation.

At its 66th meeting held on Friday 16th June, 2022, Council commended Dr. Usman and his management team for the successful exercise which it described as another laudable effort under his leadership.

Council also lauded the Polytechnic Management for the peace, security, tremendous infrastructure and academic development on campus, just as he called for renewed collective efforts to achieve more.

Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Yakubu Isa, noted that the Rector’s prudence in the management of scarce resources, transparency, selfless and meritorious service to the Polytechnic has made the Council’s task easy, just as he directed that a special award and commendation letter be presented to Dr. Usman.

Professor Isa also commended Council Members for their commitment, dedication and contribution to the rapid development experienced at the institution which has further rubbed on the State.

Uredo Omale
Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit.
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

By Stephen Adeleye

The Kogi State Government has warned students and youths in the state against indulging in any act of criminality and arms proliferation, saying perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law.

The State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, gave the warning at the ”National Conference Of The School Of Management Studies, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, which began on Tuesday.

Jones noted that the Conference’s theme: ”Proliferation of Small Arms And Light Weapons (SALWs) And State Resilience In The 21st Century”, was apt and timely due to the current insecurity bedevilling the nation.

He commended the Rector, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, the management and organisers of the conference for the choice of the theme, saying it would address the prevailing circumstances and situation of the nation.

”I sincerely hope that this conference will add value to existence and will also go a long way in proffering solutions to the challenges currently bedeviling our nation”, he said.

He added that proliferation of small arms and light weapons have caused plenty of pains and wreck havoc which were being experienced currently across the length and breadth of the country.

”But we are lucky and favoured in Kogi State to have a Governor who has taken security as a call that must be obeyed, and he had ensured that in Kogi State, there is absolute zero tolerance for crime and criminality.

”The Administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, is ready to do all it takes to ensure the security of lives and property in Kogi State, and zero tolerance to arms proliferation.

”Whoever is caught in the act of crime and criminality in Kogi State will go to jail”, he said.

He noted that a student of Kogi Poly that was caught recently with heavily loaded locally made gun, had already been sentenced to 8 years in jail, saying that was the way to go.

”Until and unless we make up our mind and execute sufficient political will to address this issue, insecurity will continue to linger in our nation.

”But I am happy that our State is very different now, which ordinarily was said to be the headquarters of crime in Nigeria before, but Governor Yahaya Bello has totally changed the narrative.

”So, this discussions here today should be a practical workshop that would proffer practical solutions to the challenges of insecurity facing our nation”, he said.

He commended the rector for making it easier for them at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, to sleep with their two eyes closed due to the kind of transformation that had taken place at Kogi Poly.

He further commended the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel Idenyi, for being so supportive in running the affairs of the ministry.

According to the Commissioner, the permanent secretary has always been playing a very pivotal role in anything we do at the ministry, and I must say thank you very much.

Earlier, the Kogi Poly Rector, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, noted that the memory bank of academic institutions in Nigeria is full with ugly accounts of SALWs-related tragedies and affronts which have vividly contradicted the very underlining philosophy of education.

He added that in many higher institutions including Kogi Poly, the crises of supremacy and territorial control among different cult groups have often fuelled social insecurity and academic instability.

He stressed that dangerous cult crises have seriously impeded on academic and peaceful welbeing of both staff and students of many institutions.

Usman noted that the school management under his leadership had explored the 21st century technology as proactive measures against insecurity which was apt and functional.

”Our efforts in combating the school infiltration of these illicit arms and weapons on our campus can be modestly described as aggressive and resolute.

”Our goal is to ensure progress in the areas of security development, with special focus on creating a safe learning environment through elimination of access to small arms and light weapons on our campus”, he said.

The rector stressed the need to take steps that would make the answers provided by the conference tenable, practical and goal oriented.

He further urged the participants to contextualise the social importance of the current level of technology in addressing the current security challenges facing humanity.

A Traditional ruler, the Ohimegye Igu of Kotonkarfe, Alhaji Abulrasak Isah Koto, commended the governor for the choice of Dr Usman as the Kogi Poly Rector, and for being very supportive to the security agencies in the state for effective performance.

The royal father called for adoption of technology in combating crime and criminality, while stressing the need to also go back to the family basis in addressing the issue of insecurity in the country.

The Key note Speaker, Prof. Hassan Saliu, from Department of Political Sciences, University of Ilorin, delivered a paper, titled: ”Understanding The Impact of Small and Light Weapons on Nigeria’s Security Situation”.

The don urged government and leaders at various levels to ensure equity, justice and fairness to all Nigerians, saying, ”the feeling of alienation from governments, especially the Federal Government, is not a good tendency in our country”.

He also urged government to imbibe the culture of dialogue as a viable option to proffering solutions to several agitations and challenges.

Saliu also stressed the need to address youth unemployment which he said it had reached epidemic level.

According to him, the current efforts of the Federal Government in addressing youth unemployment are like a drop in the ocean.

On his part, the Lead Paper Presenter, Dr John Tor Tsuwa, from Department of Political Science, Benue State University, Makurdi, delivered a paper, titled: ”Arms Proliferation, National Security and Sustainable Development in Nigeria”.

Tor Tsuwa noted that the proliferation of arms was encouraged by unabated conflicts both intra and inter ethnics militancy and criminality, porous border, economic regression and lack of basic amenities occasioned by an irresponsive and unaccountable government.

He recommended that the government should adopt local content in its control initiatives by thinking globally and act locally.

He added that there was need to strengthen inter agencies cooperation among the security agencies on intelligence and information gathering and sharing, and improve control through technology on Nigeria borders.

End

– Names Hostel Blocks after Identified distinguished personalities

The Academic Board of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, at her emergency meeting held on Thursday 20th May, 2021, considered reports of various committees and consequently approved the expulsion of 42 students for offenses bordering on theft, examination malpractices and forging of results.

Among the expelled students is Mr. Victor Attah of ND II, Business Administration Department, with Matric Nō 2018/ND/BUS/903.

Mr. Victor was involved in the running of an illegal examination syndicate, popularly known as Magic Centre in connivance with one Ibrahim Hayatu who was the ring leader.

The centre was bursted sometimes ago, precisely on 5th November, 2020, at Sarkin Noma in Lokoja.

Similarly, Mr. Akerele Oluwaseun, an ND I student of the Department of Computer Science, with Matric No 2019/ND/CPS/676 was expelled for stealing a bag belonging to one Abdulganiyu Mohammed from the same Department.

Other 40 expelled students from the institution are those that forged National Diploma  (ND) Results to secure  Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions.

The Academic Board presided over by the Rector,  Dr. Salisu O. Usman, resolved that the provisional admission of the detected students should be withdrawn for Gross Misconduct.

Details of the affected students are as follows:

1. OJOMA ABAH – 2019/HND/BUS/527

2. ABOCHI DORCAS UFEDO – 2019/HND/BUS/1057

3. ALIYU ABDULWAHEED – 2019/HND/BUS/1433

4. ABUBAKAR MUYIDEEN OLUWASEGUN – 2019/HND/BUS/1617

5. SULEIMAN MUSTAPHA – 2019/HND/BUS/1070

6. IBRAHIM JEMILAT ONOZAZI – 2019/HND/BUS/299

7. YAKUBU SHAFATU – 2018/HND/BUS/647

8. JOHN BLESSING – 2018/HND/BUS/644

9. DAN MUSA VICTOR – 2018/HND/PAD/220.

10. JOSHUA SUNDAY – 2018/HND/PAD/580.

11. NASIRU ONEKUTU – 2018/HND/PAD/211.

12. ATULUKU MERCY – 2018/HND/PAD/518.

13. ADAMS GLORY – 2018/HND/PAD/792

14. ARIYO O. BILKIS – 2018/HND/PAD/413.

15. AGIFE JUDITH GODWIN – 2018/HND/PAD/240.

16. ERIN RACHAEL – 2018/HND/PAD/266.

17. BILLAH MAIKUDI – 2018/HND/PAD/441.

18. UGWUANYI O. KINGSLEY – 2018/HND/PAD/385.

19. JONATHAN A. MAKAFAN – 2018/HND/PAD/464.

20. YAHAYA RUFAI ONUSAGBA – 2018/HND/PAD/781.

21. SIMON SUSAN ANICHI – 2018/HND/PAD/676.

22. MUSA LATEEF – 2018/HND/PAD/689.

23. SANI IBRAHIM – 2018/HND/PAD/353.

24. AUDU ZAINAB – 2018/HND/PAD/842.

25. OYELESI ADENIYI SOLA – 2018/HND/PAD/573.

26. ODOMA ABDULKARIMU – 2018/HND/PAD/421.

27. ALABI O. CAROLINE – 2018/HND/PAD/844.

28. ALIYU MANANIYAT ONIZE – 2018/HND/PAD/509.

29. ALIH HAPPNESS – 2018/HND/PAD/780.

30. JOHN JANET – 2018/HND/PAD/700

31. ALFRED O. MARY – 2018/HND/PAD/034.

32. ALISON BLESSING – 2018/HND/PAD/817.

33. ZAINAB OYIBO – 2018/HND/PAD/760.

34. AUDU ZAINAB – 2018/HND/PAD/842.

35. MUHAMMED ABUBAKAR – 2018/HND/PAD/844.

36. OLAJIDE FAITH TITILAYO – 2018/HND/LIS/180

37. SALAMI BLESSING – 2018/HND/LIS/227.

38. YAKUBU MERCY SEFIA – 2018/HND/LIS/228.

39. AJIBOYE ROSE – 2018/HND/LIS/246.

40. SAHEED RUFIAT OYIZA – 2018/HND/LIS/160.

In another development, the Board also constituted investigative committee to take a comprehensive look at the results from the Department of Business Administration in the last three academic sessions and make recommendations that could assist in addressing the complaints  of wrong computation of results from the Department and set the record straight, going forward. 

On the issue of Industrial Training, the Board further reiterated that on no condition should letters for  Industrial Training be issued before approval of results by the Academic Board.

The Board also received the report on the completion of the comprehensive hostel renovation with satisfaction and further approved the proper labelling and official naming of the various hostel blocks after some identified personalities that have distinguished themselves in their own right and respective endeavors.

The gesture in the wisdom of the Board, is to motivate students into seeing such personalities as role models who could spur them into good conduct that could be of immense benefits to them and the society. 

The Rector used the occasion to restate the commitment of the Governing Council, Management and Academic Board to upholding the dignity of the Polytechnic through strict adherence to rules, just as he solicited support from all and sundry so as to achieve more for the institution.

The security operatives of  Kogi State Polytechnic have  arrested one Shehu Tenimu Mohammed, an ND II student of the Department of Public Administration of the institution for being in possession of a locally fabricated revolver pistol while making his way into the campus.

The student with Matriculation Number 2018/ND/PAD/170 was, in addition to the illegal possession of the pistol, also carrying five rounds of live ammunition while making his way through the main entrance of the Polytechnic on Friday, 9th April, 2021.

The arrest of the student was made possible by the strong security network put in place to halt any attempt to breach the ban on End-of- Examination Celebration.

It should be recalled that the ban itself came into force in view of intelligence report that some suspected cultists would be coming to the campus with ammunitions to avenge their colleague who was killed after the end of examination in 2019.

Management under the the proactive leadership of Dr S.O. Usman therefore beefed up security on campus, including daily routine check at the Polytechnic entrance and the premises.

Ever at alert, the security operatives of the institution had on Thursday, 8th April, 2021, impounded a Tricycle, (Keke NAPEP) which apparently was intended as a decoy for hiding and  releasing gun shots outside the school gate.

In the same vain, the gallant security operatives also arrested a non student suspected to be a hired merchainary with a cham made “African – bullet”  proof on the campus on 7th April, 2021. The suspect who have since been handed over to the law enforcement agency claimed that, he came to the campus to celebrate end of the examination with his sister.

It was the continuation of the security check at the gate that led to the arrest of Shehu Tenimu Mohammed who was coming to the campus purportedly to write his ND II final examination on Friday, 9th April, 2021.

Mohammed was stopped by the ‘stop and search’ officer and was asked to hand over his belongings.

He took to his heels when he realised he would be caught with live ammunition, but it was too late for him.

He has since been handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further interrogation and investigation.

Meanwhile, the Rector, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman, has assured members of staff, students and the general public that no stone would be left unturned in the efforts to ensure that sanity is restored on the campus to make the  atmosphere conducive for teaching and learning.

The Rector who commended the security unit of the institution for a yeoman’s job however appealed to members of the Polytechnic community to always be on the side of the law.

Compiled By:
Uredo Omale
Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit.
Logo State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

The latest among the organizations who paid the Rector a visit were the Kogi State Polytechnic Chapter of Kogi Central Senatorial Forum and the Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA.

The two bodies promised their continued support to the leadership of the institution so as to make it the envy of its peers within and outside the State.

Alhaji L.O. Musa who led the delegation of Kogi Central Senatorial Forum to the Rector’s office on Monday, 22nd February, 2021, said Dr Usman’s leadership style has brought great turnaround and blessings to Kogi State Polytechnic, just as he expressed confidence that the Rector would do more.

He explained that the various physical structures springing up on campuses are valid testimonies of Dr Ogbo Usman’s exceptional leadership quality.

He added that the Rector has practically demonstrated his belief in fairness, equity and justice through his pragmatic approach to leadership.

This he stressed, has evidently proven the Rector as a proud promoter of EBIGO, a driving force of Governor Yahaya Bello led administration in the State.

Alhaji Musa expressed the forum’s continued readiness to support the new Rector’s vision and mission of transforming and repositioning the institution to become the envy of all.

On his part, the National President of ICDA, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Amodu, said Dr Usman has made Igala people proud within the few months of piloting of the affairs of the Polytechnic.

He noted that the unprecedented landmarks recorded by the Rector so far was a clear manifestation of his integrity and commitment to duty which have been the core values of the Igala race.

While thanking His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for considering Dr Usman worthy to serve as Rector of the Polytechnic, the Association prayed for God’s guidance and direction as he strives to pilot the affairs of the institution positively.

In his response to the visiting bodies, the Rector expressed delight to the Association for the visits.

He stressed that the Kogi Central Forum was the first Polytechnic Chapter of the socio-cultural Forums from among the three zones to pay him such visit, adding that the gesture has further proven the support he has received from the zone.

The Rector who commended the Principal Officers, Deans and Directors and other members from Kogi Central for their commitment and support so far, also promised to make Kogi State Polytechnic more attractive through quality assurance in teaching, welfare of staff and security of lives and properties on campuses.

Dr Usman also commended the leadership of ICDA for raising the association qualities just as he expressed delight for having young elements from Igala in positions of authority.

He added that commitment to duties, upholding fairness and promotion of justice are parts of the values Igalas are known for, adding that he would be ready to hold those values dearly in his conduct in and out of office.

This he said is the only way he could make the ICDA and the Igala Kingdom proud.

On the delegation Kogi Central Senatorial Forum were the Acting Registrar, Mrs. I.O.Z Raji, Acting Librarian, Mrs O. O. M. Audu, Deputy Bursar, Mr Sadiq Ibrahim Azimazi, among others.

The ICDA President was accompanied on the visit by Provost Marshal, Mr. John Tokula, the Liaison Officer, Elder Ilai Sanni, the Secretary General, Ustaz Umaru .U. Ogbo amongst others.

Compiled By:
Uredo Omale (Mrs.)
Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit.
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

In a statement released on Thursday, February 11, 2021 by the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr Folashade Ayoade Arike, Dr Usman’s appointment as substantive Rector of Kogi Poly is with Immediate effect.

Dr Ogbo Usman has been serving on acting capacity following his appointment on 7th April, 2020.

He will be the ninth Rector of the Polytechnic, the first Alumnus as well as the youngest to be appointed for the institution.

In his months as acting Rector of the institution, Dr Ogbo Usman has turned around the status of the Institution.

Compiled By:
Uredo Omale (Mrs.)
Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit.
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements and positive impact in Kogi State Polytechnic over the last 10 months, the Acting Rector, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman has been honoured with series of accolades, awards and certificates.

The latest of such recognitions have come from political action groups, student associations, civil society organisations, clubs and notable virtual platforms operating within and outside Kogi State.

One of the groups which honoured the Acting Rector with a Certificate of Credence was the Coalition of Political Parties and Nigeria National Volunteer Services/Diaspora Affairs.

At the presentation in the Acting Rector’s office on Monday, 8th of February, 2021, Honorable Ibrahim Itodo who led the group described Dr Usman as a leader who has showed dexterity, resilience and hard work which have yielded uncommon results as reflected in the human and environmental renewal of the institution.

Honorable Itodo said history would not forget Dr Usman who has taken a risk to do the needful which has become a reference for other institutions in and around the state.

On their part, the Dekina Students Association, Omala Students Association (both of Kogi State Polytechnic Chapter) and Rotaract Club of Lokoja, each respectively conferred Award of Excellent Performance, Positive Impact in Humanitarian Service and Distinguished Performance on Dr. Usman as he marked 10 months in office as Acting Rector.

In their separate presentations, Comrades Achema Shaibu, Adama Murtala Muhammed and Rotaractor Abuh Abubakar(who spoke for the Associations and Club) said the conferment of awards were their own ways of appreciating the good work embarked upon by Dr Usman in the institution.

While charging him not to relent in positively transforming the status of the institution, they promised to always support and encourage the Acting Rector to do more.

Earlier in the day (Monday) the Ofu Students Association, Kogi State Polytechnic Chapter, celebrated the Acting Rector in a very unique manner by cleaning the environment and presenting cleaning materials as part of their campaign to “Keep Kogi Poly Clean”.

The students said that the campaign was deemed necessary to appreciate Dr Usman because no award would adequately capture the indelible mark he has made in the institution.

While presenting the cleaning materials, Comrade Akor Obile who spoke on behalf of the group, pledged their total support to the Dr. Usman led administration.

On Saturday, 6th of February, 2021, Dr Usman was among the award recipients at the Third Edition of Kogi Social Media Awards, where he was decorated with the “Media Achiever’s Award”, for positively projecting the image of Kogi State Polytechnic.

The Convener of the award, Dansofo Usman Jnr, said Dr Usman has effectively promoted the educational policies of Governor Yahaya Bello, a record he described as worthy of emulation.

In separate reactions to the honours bestowed on him, Dr Ogbo Usman expressed gratitude to groups and associations for acknowledging the efforts he has made so far.

He also appreciated the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for the privilege to serve.

He said that being the youngest ever and first alumnus to be appointed as Acting Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, it has become incumbent on him to perform so as to create similar opportunities for future generations.

He noted that his emergence as Acting Rector was an opportunity to break barriers, adding that his tenure would focus more on bringing about ethics and values as well as breeding great future leaders through quality learning.

He recalled that within his ten months in Office, the Polytechnic has been blessed with School of Agricultural Technology (with four new departments) four directorates and one unit, a development that has placed the institution among the comity of great citadel of learning in the country.

Dr Usman Ogbo who has received over 15 awards and certificates of excellence since he assumed office said, he has also turned down over 20 of them due to time constraint and to avoid distraction from the set goals.

He urged the youths to always be on the side of the law and shun any act capable of affecting their reputation and that of their families, just as he promised to continue to train them both in character and learning.

It could be recalled that Dr Usman was appointed as the Acting Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic by the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello on 7th of April, 2020.

He has turned around the fortunes of the institution positively, prompting commendations and accolades by various youths, students groups and political bodies within and outside the State.

Compiled By:
Uredo Omale (Mrs.)
Head, Public Relations and Protocol Unit.
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.