From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja has matriculated 6,387 students for the 2022/2023 Academic Session. This number is made up of 4,786 ND and 1,601 HND Students.
Speaking at the 30th matriculation ceremony of the Polytechnic at the weekend, the Kogi State Commissioner For Education Science and Technology, Hon. Wemi Jones, disclosed that the State Government remains committed to revamping technical education inorder to reduce unemployment and boost self-sustaining courses.
The Education Commissioner pointed out the State Government is committed to the study of Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics, stressed that the study of STEM has taken a pride of place in State‘s education sector under the Gov. Yahaya Bello‘s administration.
Hon. Jones added that the State Government has also placed much attention to the issues of Vocational education with the establishment of GYB Model Science Secondary Schools in the State, disclosed that the present administration inherited four moribund Technical Colleges, said work is currently ongoing to revamping the State‘s Technical colleges with Idah Technical college nearing completion and remodeling.
The Commissioner explained that the remodelling of the Technical Colleges, is aimed at bringing students into the Polytechnic system with the view to taking the challenge of being trained in technical and vocational studies.
The Commissioner congratulated Dr. Salisu Usman Ogbo, the Rector of the Polytechnic for manning the institution with dexterity, concluded that with the efforts of Dr. Ogbo, the State Government is confident that it can go to sleep with two eyes closed owing to his excellent way of running the Polytechnic to heights never imagined.
In his address, the Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Usman Ogbo said the Polytechnic has grown steadily as an institution on the Academic front, explained that the credibility of existing programs of the institution has also been strengthened as evidenced in the full accreditation.
The Rector disclosed that the Polytechnic has commenced programmes in the school of Agriculture Technology, as well as establish a Department of Mass Communication, said the salient mission of the Polytechnic is to build an environment conducive to group and independent learning.
While promising to reward noble acts, Dr. Ogbo however warned that all negative vices would be met with sanctions, congratulated the students, said they were selected after a painstaking process and on merit.
In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Akinwumi Olayemi, said it is a fact that positive influence has been made on several Kogi youths through the Kogi State Polytechnic and under the leadership of Dr. Ogbo.
Prof. Akinwumi congratulated the Rector for creating an enviable niche for the State Polytechnic, praised him also for all the accomplishments recorded under his Leadership, described it as unprecedented.
The Vice Chancellor described Polytechnic education as a gateway for socio economic development in the country, urged the matriculating students to key into the programs and policies that would make them become technically sound.
While maintaining that the Federal University Lokoja is ready to collaborate with KSP in the area of Vocational and Technological advancement , cautioned the matriculating students against undue radicalism, lauded the Kogi State government for the efforts in the education sector.
Also in his goodwill message, Dr. Ibrahim Kabiru, Provost, College of Education Ankpa, described as excellence the 30 years establishment of Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, expressed so much appreciation that the institution has recorded quantum leap under the leadership of Dr. Salisu Usman Ogbo.