Kogi Polytechnic inaugurates new SUG, NAKOSS excos

The management of Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja has inaugurated the newly elected excos of the Students Union Government, (SUG) and the National Association, Kogi State Polytechnic Students, (NAKOSS) to pilot the affairs of Students in the institution in the next one year.

The newly inaugurated executives of SUG are Enimokanyi Oluwadamilola Janet, President, Abdulazeez Zainab Obomi, General Secretary, Itodo Ojochenemi Messiah, Treasurer, Agada Emmanuel Eneojo, Financial Secretary, Sunday Ojochegbe Victoria, Public Relations Officer, Aroge Abdulhameed TaiyeAuditor, Moses Godwin Folorunsho, Director of Sports and Health II, Abdulmalik Bajeh Bashiru, Director of Socials and Culture, Muhammed Habibat Ummi, Provost Marshal,bUsman Oyiza Habibat, Deputy Senate President, Ireyi Ibrahim, Clerk and Ibrahim Ibrahim, Deputy Clerk

While the newly elected NAKOS executives are Abubakar Isah Sheriff, President, Ibrahim Rashidat Marvelous, General Secretary, Yahaya Haliru, Treasurer, Olorunsogo Kolawole, Vice President, Abdullahi Adeiza, Financial Secretary, Abdullahi Muhammad Hadi, Assistant Financial Secretary, Muhammed Abdulkarim, Assistant General Secretary, Adama Hassan Alidu, Director of Welfare I, Michael Victor Temitope, Director of Transport, Jibrin Alhaji, Auditor, Attachegbe Harrison, Director of Sports, Anjor Ikojo, Speaker and brahim Rukayat Chief Judge

Speaking at the event, the Rector Kogi State Polytechnic Prof Salisu Usman Ogbo who was highly elated said he is aware of the numerous problems associated with students leadership in higher institution.

Before his administration came on board, Prof. Ododo noted that their was competition among Students along tribal lines adding that the abandoned SUG office has been rehabilitated.

"Before we came on board, their was staff interference in the conduct of elections in the institution. When we came on board, I vowed that if I see any staff meddling in the affairs of Students, I won't take it. During the recent election, some people in Government were clamouring for consensus candidates which I rejected. Now, you all will be proud that you were duly elected to truly represent the interest of the Students.

" I am always on the side of justice. I vow that whoever that emerge as SUG President or NAKOSS, we will always work with them. Under my watch, it is a great honour that the first female SUG President emerged from the School of Art and Printing. We are happy that the zoning system is not along tribal, religious lines but School lines. Good governance or poverty has no religion or tribe what is important is good governance".

He congratulated the newly sworn in excos to put in their best stressing that the management will continue to work with them for the progress of the Polytechnic.

The Professor of Political Science thanked the chairman and Electoral committee for their unbiased conduct adding that there is need for sportsmanship in any electoral process in the Country.

He charged the new excos to demonstrate the spirit of leadership by carrying everyone along in the discharge of their duties.

While acknowledging that this is the fourth duly elected excos under his watch as Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Ogbo disclosed that some enemies of the Polytechnic who are desperate for power have been engineering protest against the management of the institution.

 "I will never entertain anything that will create insecurity on campus. Whoever that wants to instigate insecurity on campus should be exposed. When this failed, that was when there was false information that bandits has invaded Kogi Polytechnic. I will call it artificial bandits because it is not true. 

"This is false alarm and artificial insecurity. They tried to use the SUG against us but it later failed. I am very elated that I am the first Rector to be using 75 percent IGR to manage the affairs of Kogi State Polytechnic" he stated

On the issue of Sexual harassment, he disclosed that one Thompson Abutu from the School of General Studies was dismissed by the management of the institution for victimizing female Students in the Polytechnic.

He said "When I got the information about this Man, I called him to my house warning him to stay away from trouble. This same Man tried to sleep with a lady from Computer Science department. When the lady refused, he deliberately failed him. We call for the script, remark it and the lady passed. So, we decided to take the best decision to dismiss him".

He appealed to students not to make themselves a fertile ground for harassment in the institution.

He commended former Governor Yahaya Bello and the present Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing an enabling environment in the institution adding that, the Polytechnic needs more hostel to accommodate more Students in the institution.

Prof. Ogbo commended Governor Ododo for illuminating the campus, stressing that the perimeter fencing of Itakpe campus is now making the institution to wear a new look.

He said his administration remains committed in purposeful leadership for the development of the Polytechnic.

Prof. Ogbo thanked the immediate past excos of the two union adding that the Polytechnic management is trying it best on the area of students welfare as they will continue to operate an open door policies in the institution.

He assured the Students that there won't be increment of tuition fee despite the current economic hardship in the Country.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Prof. Ogbo, during the event unveiled the new library complex which was named after the former Rector Prof. Mathew Ajibero.

He explained that naming the library complex after the former Rector was a unanimous decision of the governing council of the polytechnic.

Prof. Ogbo applauded the giant footprints left by late Prof Ajibero in the development, progress and stability of the polytechnic.

He recalled how his path first crossed with Prof Ajibero’s way back in Bayero University Kano when the former Rector was head of library and information science department at BUK.

The Rector added that their paths crossed again at University of Ilorin while working with the then Vice Chancellor, Prof Shamsudeen Amali. Late Prof Ajibero was the Librarian at Unilorin then.

He stated that same Prof Ajibero gave him strong recommendation as a referee to then Kogi State University Anyigba, now Prince Abubakar Audu University.

“During his time as Rector, he brought department of library and information science to Kogi state polytechnic. During his tenure, this library complex was initiated and built as well as lots of infrastructures in the Lokoja and Itakpe campuses of this institution.

“Prof Ajibero, though unassuming, was a great man. He was a highly dedicated and committed administrator,” he said.

He announced that the governing council has also penciled down structures to be named after two former rectors of the polytechnic.

Earlier, the newly sworn in SUG President, Enimokanyi Janet Oluwadamilola commended all the aspirants for their immense contributions noting that, she will continue to appreciate all the assistance that aided her emergence as the new leader of Students in Kogi State Polytechnic.

She promised to make the welfare of Students as her major priority adding that the time has come to choose their enduring spirits to move the institution forward.

" Let me state in the words of Martin Luther King that we might have come from a different boat but we are on the same ship now”.  

I wish to commend the efforts of the outgoing escos for making our union worthy of emulation, the sacrifice and the many sleepless nights are never gone unnoticed in making sure students welfare are their top-most priority.

"On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false Promises, the recriminations and worn our dogmas that far too long have strangled our union. We remain a young union, but in words of scripture the time has come to set aside childish things. 

"The time has come to re-affirm our enduring spirit, to choose our better history to carry forward that precious gift, that bold ideas passed on from predecessors, the God given promise that all ere equal,all are free and all deserves a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. 

"In reaffirming the greatest of our union, we understand that greatness is never given, it must be earned. Our journey has never be one of short cut or settling for less. It has not been the path of the faint-hearted. Rather it has been the risk takers, the doers, the makers of things. 

" To those who cling to power to intimidate and harass students through deceit and silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willingly to unclench your fist. 

"To my fellow students I will admonish you to be good ambassadors of this great citadel of learning, for the world has changed, our nation has changed, our union has changed and we must change with it. 

"To my fellow exco what its demanded from us is to return to truths,what is required for us now is a new era of responsibilities a recognition on the path of everybody, that we have duties to ourselves and our union".

Also speaking, the newly sworn in NAKOSS President Comrade Abubakar Isah Sheriff noted that Prof. Ogbo whose unwavering dedication to transparency and integrity has paved the way for a fair and credible electoral process in the institution.

Continuing, Sheriff said "At this juncture Sir, I respectfully appeal to the school management to provide NAKOSS with an office within the SUG Secretariat. Such a dedicated space would greatly enhance our ability to serve our students more effectively, allowing us to be more accessible and responsive to their needs. 

"As we embark on this journey, my administration will place a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Every student's voice will be listened to. We are committed to foster an environment where every individual will be valued and heard. We will work collaboratively with school management to address pressing issues, promote unity, and enhance the academic and social experience for all".

In his goodwill message, the immediate past SUG President of the institution Comrade Onuh Christian while congratulating the outgoing executive on their achievement in service lauded them for sacrificing their time and energy in the transformation of the Polytechnic.

He emphacized that the values of their campaign on unity, justice and peace has been achieved in the institution when they assumed office in 2023.

He charged the new executive to surround themselves with those who wants the progress of the institution.

"Never take advice from enemies of the institution. Always ensure that you are in line with vision of our Polytechnic" he added 

He thanked Prof. Ogbo for prioritizing the welfare of Students in the institution adding that his achievement in office since assuming office is unprecedented.

The Director of Student Services, in his remarks appreciated the two union for their support, appealing to the new excos to ensure a peaceful and harmonious relationship between Students and the management of the Polytechnic.

He assured them of the continuous support of the institution management in achieving their campaign promises in the Polytechnic.

The Chief Security Officer of the Polytechnic in his remarks urged the new Executives to obey the rules and regulations of the institution adding that, any Students that commits a crime is liable for such offences.

His words "Whatever you are doing should be within the ambit of the law. In our existing law, their is no preferential treatment given to Students. All of you should obey the law. As SUG or NAKOSS President, don't allow your self to be mislead by mischief makers. Always channels your complains to the appropriate channels"

The Director, Legal Services, Barrister William also urged the new executives to obey the rules and regulations of the Polytechnic.

He disclosed further that they must ensure that they work between the ambit of the law as they don't enjoy any immunity as Student leaders.

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