Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has revealed that 30 programmes were presented to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and all were returned with full accreditation.
Professor Ogbo made the announcement while addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Correspondents Chapel, Kogi State Council, about his promotion to full professor, appointment renewal, and the death of his brother.
He added that upon taking office in April 2020, he hit the ground running by launching initiatives to address the hydra-headed difficulties that have hampered the institution’s growth, as well as ensuring that both human and material resources were sufficiently mobilised for the task.
He stated that he must set up committees and issue orders to restore the institution to its lost glory, fulfilling the intent and purpose of the founding fathers and prevent future decline.
He went on to say that in order to reach these admirable goals, some deviants’ toes would have to be stepped on, while those who believed in the new thinking would be supported for peak performance.
He revealed that the reforms, under his careful supervision, have resulted in transformations in terms of physical projects covering the entire landscape of the campuses and the restoration of faith in the institution’s academic achievements.
According to Professor Ogbo, prior to his arrival, the university was viewed as a glorified secondary school, with certificates thought to be worthless by some employers and citizenry.
He noted that the institution has no functional hostels for almost five years, forcing both male and female students to live off the campus, causing economic and social disruptions.
He stated that a bank loan was obtained with the express agreement of the government and the council, and that direct labour, lecturers, in-built departments, and management staff were used to push the project, which was completed successfully in a record period.
Speaking further, he stated that the vexing issue of handout and textbook sales, which has had a bad impact on indigent students, has been banned and criminalised, with certain deviant members of staff facing sanctions.
He stated that the institution was infamous for cultist and cultist practices, which had impacted the school in a negative way hence, he had to step up security architecture around the campuses through regular review of strategies which paid off with the institution now free from the monster.
According to him, it had been difficult for the polytechnic community during examination periods because cults would openly attack students and perceived enemies; however, the security architecture has been proactive in arresting the issue and restoring normalcy to the university.
He committed to expand plans, activities, and strategies to position the institution as a top brand in the highly competitive global educational market.
According to him, he was able to organise a combined convocation that lasted from 2010 to 2023, an achievement he attributed to the former Governor and the Council’s trust in the management.
He claimed to gain value for money, he encouraged contractors handling TETFUND projects in the school to comply with specifications in the bill of quantities, or face penalty, giving rise to timely completion of all TETFUND projects, while he recalled some contractors back to site after over sixteen years of abandonment.
He did, however, assure academics, staff, and students of his commitment to improving working conditions, welfare, and well-being, and urged stakeholders to collaborate to raise internal revenue.
He also stated that he would prioritise and improve the favourable environment for the welfare of staff and students in order to drive the institution’s vision and achieve its objectives.
He praised former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello for providing him the opportunity to serve despite rising resistance, and thanked current Governor Ododo for his unwavering support for the school, which has transformed it into a citadel of learning.
He thanked his old employer, Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, for conferring Associate Professor status on him, as well as Federal University Lokoja for confirming his full professorship.
While thanking the Correspondents members for their visit, he stated that their regular evaluation of his government has kept him on his toes, ensuring continued collaboration for societal upliftment.