From AMEDU JOSEPH, Lokoja
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Dr. Salisu Usman Ogbo has warned matriculating students for 2023/2024 session against involvement in cultism and other related social vices.
The Rector gave the warning while speaking at the matriculation ceremony held at the main campus of the institution in Lokoja, recently.
He declared that the polytechnic has zero tolerance for all forms of social vices such as cultism, gun-running, examination malpractice, drug abuse, alcoholic addiction, unhealthy social gathering, cybercrimes, incitement to violence, gangsterism, 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 afoul of the law. Any breach will attract the 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 institution and will not be condoned.
“Let me particularly emphasize on cultism, which is completely forbidden on our campus. You are therefore warned to desist from any form of cultist luring related activities. It may interest you to know that we have specifically put in place all visible and invisible security architectures in strategic places to deal with cultists, their sympathisers and sponsors.
“ You are also advised to report any move intended to intimidate and lure you into or enlist you into cultism.
“We encourage you to be sterling examples of what moral discipline is. You are advised to dress modestly and in accordance with the acceptable standards. Undue exposure of body parts is considered provocative to the sensibilities of others, and will be severely dealt with. You can always access further information on how to dress on this campus on our posters, billboards and handballs. ”
He disclosed that a total of 4,349 students were admitted to run for both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma.
According to the Rector, the National Diploma Programme has 3,124 matriculating students while the Higher National Diploma Programme has 1,225 matriculating students spread across Schools and Departments of the Polytechnic.
“Students were admitted into departments in the Schools of Agricultural Technology, Applied Sciences, Art Design and Printing, Engineering, Environmental Technology and Management Studies”
He urged the matriculating students to see their admission into the institution as a rare opportunity which they must endeavour to make judicious use of and congratulated them for the favour bestowed upon them.
