Monarch hails Kogi Poly Rector for unprecedented achievements

A first class Monarch in Kogi State the Olu of Oke-Ibukun kingdom HRH Oba Omonile Ige Timothy, has commended the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic Prof Salisu Ogbo for his remarkable achievements in office.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Oba Timothy gave the commendations on Tuesday during a Courtesy visit to the Rector of the Polytechnic alongside his Council members in Lokoja.

He described Prof. Ogbo as a silent achiever whose track record speaks volume in Nigeria. 

Oba Timothy emphacized that the visit to the Polytechnic Rector marks a significant milestones in the history of the community adding that, his administration of all inclusiveness has put Kogi State Polytechnic as one of the best in Nigeria.

He said " Our assignment here is to intimate you that we are very keen with the activities of this great institution under your leadership as it relates to your achievement. We also want to encourage you and to pray with you for the successful second tenure as the Rector of this great institution.

"We are aware of the improvements on the welfare of our Students and members of staff including the appointment of our Sons and daughters in key position in the Polytechnic. The entire People of Oke-Ibukun community will forever be grateful to you for your transformation agenda in this noble institution.

"My People are also aware of the cordial working relationship between members of staff and students of this institution. It is very unusual that in a public setting like this, everyone is working harmoniously without rancour. This was made possible all thank to your examplary leadership in Kogi Polytechnic. Your working relationship with our Son the Commissioner for Education Hon. Wemi Jones is highly commendable and appreciated. Keep the flag flying my young Professor who we call Mr Project". 

While appreciating Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for the reappointment of Prof. Ogbo, the reverred Monarch called on leaders of various institutions in Nigeria to emulate the examplary leadership and laudable achievement of the management of Kogi State Polytechnic led by the present Rector.

Responding, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic Prof. Salisu Ogbo expressed appreciation to the Monarch and his entourage for recognizing his good work in the State.

He further appreciated former Governor Yahaya Bello for changing his life stating that " Former Governor Yahaya Bello did not know my father or mother before appointing Me as the head of this institution. He picked me from no where to become something in life. I will forever be grateful".

While giving account of his stewardship as the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof Ogbo revealed that before his administration came on board, the institution was marred with ethnic and religious division, cultism, forgery, education malpractice, indecent dressing and many more.

Explaining further, the Professor of Political Science said "When I was first appointed by his Excellency, the Polytechnic was polarized along ethnic line. As the Rector of this institution, I did n't fight anybody but decided to lead by example. Under my leadership, positions of authority is shared equally across the three Senatorial district. Our administration has put an end to all forms of cultist activities on campus, indecent dressing, drug abuse and other social vices.

"Our administration is the first in the Polytechnic that started treasury single account as it also inherited an institutions that does not have a functional hostel. The then hostel was taken over by weeds, reptiles and other dangerous animals. As at today this has changed. Through our pragmatic leadership, over 30 programs in the Polytechnic that was not accredited was given accreditation by the National Board for Technical Education, (NBTE). It was done 100 percent thanks to the entire management team"he stated. 

He rolled out other achievement under his leadership which includes establishment of school of agricultural technology, establishment of staff school, improvement in staff welfare, building of new administrative complex, building of 200 twin lecture theatre, Computer Based Extension, (CBT) extension, building of security building, expansion of health facilities, rehabilitations of abandoned projects, cash backing of staff promotion up to 2020, among others.

He intimated his visitors that Governor Ododo has approved money for the fencing of Itakpe campus of Kogi State Polytechnic adding that his reform in the institution remain on course.

He said over 180million has been invested in the Polytechnic Library adding that it has improved the quality assurance of the institution.

He recalled the query against the institution from National Board for Technical Education, (NBTE) over alleged extortion, sales of text books in 2015.

Continuing, Prof. Ogbo said "In 2018, I was given a letter written by the association of departmental President titled 'Save our Soul'. It was written to the immediate Past Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello in 2018. It was also copied to the State House of Assembly. I was even told that it was published in a particular newspaper over extortion. 

"When I came on board, I said we can not continue on the part of forcing Students to buy text books and making it as a pre-condition for them to pass examination. Some Lecturers then were making it compulsory for Students to buy their textbooks. To put an end to this fraudulent activities, I said all Lecturer should drop their textbooks at the book shop. Thank God is not my administration that open the book shop. 

"It was there before I came. Any student that wants to buy the textbooks should go to the book shop voluntarily and buy. On no account should any of the Student be forced to buy the textbooks. This did not go down well with some Persons in the Polytechnic. We have the latest books and journals in our library. This textbooks we have always said should be regulated. 

"We are not saying Lecturers should not sell textbooks, our only point of disagreement is that do not force Students to buy textbooks. Don't make it condition for them to pass examination. That policy has yielded good results. That is one of the reason why since I came on board, the institution have not recorded any cult group harassing students on campus. 

"We have had instances where some people will forge National Diploma results of Kogi Polytechnic and apply for Higher National Diploma in our institution and graduate successfully. By the grace of God we have moved away from that dark era".

Earlier in his welcome address, the Registrar of Kogi State Polytechnic Sunday Aiyeetan appreciated the Rector for his service to humanity adding that the Students and members of Staff are fully behind him to succeed in the institution.

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