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LOKOJA – The Rector, Kogi state Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, said his reform agenda on security, infrastructure, and academic excellence have transformed the hitherto so called glorified Secondary School to a polytechnic of first choice in Nigeria.
The Rector noted that the Kogi state Polytechnic’s steady transformation has attracted students from the 36 states of the federation, a feat that is unequal by state Polytechnics.
Professor Ogbo made the disclosure at the Correspondents Chapel of Nigerian Union of Journalists NUJ Stewardship forum held in the Conference hall of the polytechnic.
He noted that on assumption of office he was inundated with complaints of low standards, cultism, extortions and decayed infrastructures , that some stakeholders described the polytechnic as a gloried Secondary School.
He added that on the strength of these negative commentaries about the institution, he swung into action with sweeping reforms on Security, boosting the morale of polytechnic community , infrastructure development and ordered immediate stoppage of sales of handouts and text books to the students.
The Erudite Professor explained that , security being at the centre stage of development, he built a state of the art security outpost at the main gate , trained and retrained officers and installed latest security gadgets at nooks and crannies of the campuses.
He said, though, the reforms were painful to some recalcitrants members of the polytechnic community, he remained undaunted with substantial success in the area of security, conducive environment for teaching and learning making the institution the bride of prospective admission seekers.
He added that the hitherto moribund hostels for both girls and boy , were remodelled which enabled students to stay on campuses that has ensured proper monitoring of the activities of the students.
He said, he has been able to secure full accreditation to 47 existing programmes and 17 programmes started by his administration.
He disclosed that apart from constructing new buildings, he was able to complete inherited projects as far back as 2010 , saying , the aesthetic landscapes of the institution coupled with high standard of academic instructions have rekindle the trust of both parents and their wards.
He commended the former Governor Yahaya Bello for given him the opportunity against all odds to add value to the fortune of the polytechnic.
While acknowledging the unwavering support of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in all ramifications, commended all stakeholders in the educational enhancement in the state for their zeal for the success of his transformation agenda.
He praised the Correspondents Chapel for their ingenuity in embarking on Stewardship forum with elected and appointed public officials to showcase the activities of their mandates.