The Acting Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman says the institution’s mandate that is tailored towards Technical and Vocational Program has led to the establishment of a School of Agricultural Technology in Itakpe.
The Acting Rector made the disclosure in his office shortly after receiving a vote of Confidence and Certificate of Credence plaque presented to him by the Nigeria National Volunteer Service and Coalition of Political Parties for GYB/CEDO, disclosed that the School of Agricultural Technology would begin activities in the 2020/2021 academic session.
Dr Salisu disclosed that the major focus of the Polytechnic under his Leadership is not about quantity but quality assurance, said within three months under his watch, he has establish a school of Agricultural Technology, with four departments, one Unit and one Directorate.
The Acting Rector described the establishment of the school of Agricultural Technology as one of his modest major achievements within his three months in office aside the massive improvement of infrastructure, impovement in quality of Teaching and learning.
Dr. Salisu added that his administration is painstakingly working for history and posterity, assured that with the efforts put in place since he assumed office, the of lack of hostel accommodation facing the institution would soon be a thing of the past.
He disclosed the Polytechnic has not had hostels since 2016, Commended Gov. Yahaya Bello’s gracious approval that allowed for the Institution to through a public private partnership arrangement, embark on the building of the students hostels, said the hostels would be completed in March.
The Rector added that with the support of TETFUND six projects are almost nearing completion in the Polytechnic, said he would continue to be selfless and not tired so as not to disappoint his generation, restore the confidence that young people can be better leaders and that Leadership is not about age.
The tireless efforts to make the Kogi State Polytechnic a top class Institution, Dr. Salisu Ogbo Usman further explained is borne out of the fact that he is the first Alumnus of the Institution to become a Rector, and to make his former Lecturers, staff and students of the institution proud, are reasons why he is working hard to make the difference.
Dr. Salisu equally added that the efforts he is putting in place to change the narrative of the Polytechnic to an Institution of Excellence, he disclosed is to Please Allah and to justify the confidence reposed on him by Gov. Yahaya Bello, who against all odds, found him worthy to serve.
The Acting Rector reiterated his resolve to make the institution a shining example and make it comparable to renowned Polytechnics in the country, said he will continue to challenge all that is wrong and to do all that is right and pleasing to Gov. Bello in his efforts to reposition the institution for the best.
Dr Salisu Commended the Staff and Students of the Institution the acceptability of his leadership style which has yielded the numerous achievements in just three months, assured that he will continue to make improvements in academic contents and expansion a top priority.
Dr. Salisu Commended the NNVS and the Coalition of Political Parties for GYB/CEDO for honouring him with the recognition, says he will not be distracted, but would remain focused working for posterity sake.
Earlier in a remarks, Hon. Ibrahim Itodo, Kogi State Chairman of NNVS and Spokesman of the Coalition of Political Parties for GYB/CEDO said the vote of confidence is in recognition of the outstanding performances of the Acting Rector, appealed to the concerned authorities to confirm his appointment.
Hon. Itodo listed the following as outstanding achievements of Dr. Salisu as Rector, described it as unprecedented.
Building of a Model Security House, as a replacement for a 3-room cubicles inherited.
Provision of Security Communication gadget and installation of CCTV across our Lokoja campus.
Provision of a 30-bed Medical Centre named “HAJIYA HAUWAU OZIOHU BELLO MEDICAL CENTRE”, as a replacement for a 3-bed sick bay we inherited
Restoration of internet services to the campus after over 5 years of non- existence.
Restoration of Computer Based Test (CBT) after over 5 years
Floor overlay, renovation and rearrangement of the 500-seat Lecture Theatre
Campus illumination with solar and flush lights in our Lokoja campus
Aggressive renovation of the student hostel that was stalled since 2017 (ongoing)
A storey building complex for Academic – Administrative purpose (Ongoing)
A storey building complex Office/Studio for the School of Environmental Technology (ongoing)
A storey building office/studio complex for the School of Art, Design and Printing (Ongoing)
A storey building Office/Labouratory for the School of Applied Sciences (Ongoing)
A storey building Laboratory/office complex for the School of Sciences
A 200-capacity twin Lecture Theatre (Ongoing)
Creation of Directorate of Sports
Creation of Directorate of Advancement, Support and Linkages
Creation of Directorate of SERVICOM
Creation of Directorate of Information Technology and Resource Centre
Creation of Legal Unit (First in the history of the institution)
Campus beautification
Production of Maiden Annual Report for the institution
Review of Students Information Handbook
Clearing of backlog of results
Setting up of Central Students Disciplinary Committee
Setting up of Central Examination Misconduct Committee
Setting of Academic Board Results Verification Commmitee (as a prelude to the Academic Board meeting) for proper scrutiny and cost effectiveness
Frontal tackling of cultism, examination Misconduct, indiscipline and other social vices.
Consultative and participatory governance and administration through committee system.
Zero tolerance for sectionalism and nepotism
Zero tolerance for abuse of sales of textbooks to our students.
Zero tolerance for extortion and any other unethical/sharp practices.
Repositioning of the Polytechnic Staff school for immediate take – off
Reorganisation and repositioning of the Public Relations and Protocol Unit for effective service delivery
Comprehensive posting of both the Registry and Bursary staff for job rotation, against the hitherto personalisation of offices.
Comprehensive reforms for quality assurance and restoration of the cherished glory of the Kogi State Polytechnic
Courageous ejection of the Zango market operators and their menacing activities (in collaboration with land grabbers) from the front of our Itakpe Campus
Successful relocation of the School of Preliminary Studies from the Osara campus for immediate occupation and take off of the Confluence State University of Science and Technology
Extension of light to the School of Management Sciences and the Enterpreneurship Development Centre
Relocation of the Football pitch and other Sports Centres (Ongoing)
Overall restoration of discipline amongst staff for maximum service with dignity.
Payment of inherited allowances such as Part Time, PUTME and others to the deserving staff.
Reclaiming of the erstwhile notorious “Pipeline” from the suspected bad elements on the campus.
Commencement of Kogi State Polytechnic Staff School.