Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja yesterday matriculated 6,549 students for the 2024/2025 academic session with a charge to the students to shun all vices that can jeopardise their stay and studies.
The rector of the polytechnic, Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo who spoke at the 32nd matriculation ceremony of the institution held at the main campus in Lokoja, said the students comprised 3,708 for National Diploma and 2,841 for Higher National Diploma (HND) from across eight schools and 57 programmes in the polytechnic.
While congratulating the new students for their admission, the rector warned that the institution has zero tolerance for all forms of social vices such as cultism, gun-running, examination malpractice, drug abuse, alcohol addiction, unhealthy social gatherings, cybercrimes, incitement to violence, gangsterism, misuse and destruction of public property, stealing and indecent dressing, among others.
“My simple warning is for you to stay away from these vices to avoid running foul of the law. Any breach will attract appropriate penalty, including outright expulsion and prosecution.
“The Students’ Information Handbook that will be distributed to you through your respective departments will guide you on the dos and don’ts of the polytechnic.
“Ignorance of the law has no place in the polytechnic and will not be condoned. Let me particularly emphasise on cultism which is completely forbidden on our campus. You are therefore warned to desist from any form of luring cult-related activities in the institution,” he warned.
He charged the students to be security conscious and support efforts of the management by reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
