Kogi State Polytechnic Reform: Prof. Ogbo Shares Credit for His Successful Tenure »

By Bello Onimisi Abdulhameed (Ivavah)

At the press briefing in the Polytechnic’s Council Chamber on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to mark the end of his first tenure, Professor Usman Salisu Ogbo speaks on the collaborative efforts and synergy among the polytechnic leadership that have set a new benchmark for institutional development, reforms, and reorganization.

In contrast to leaders who focus solely on their own achievements or the challenges they face, Prof. Ogbo believes a tree can never make a forest as he generously shares the credit for his successful tenure with his subordinates. He emphasizes that true leadership is about collaboration and collective success.

Throughout his tenure, Prof. Ogbo implemented policies aimed at combating illegal activities, such as the forgery of Kogi Polytechnic certificates. One notable initiative was the introduction of QR codes on results, allowing for easy scanning and verification within the institution’s database. This policy faced significant resistance from those who benefited from the status quo, but Prof. Ogbo, as a courageous leader, fought tirelessly to uphold it.

He also took a stand against exploitative practices, such as forcing students to purchase textbooks and making them sales Reps. Instead, he redirected all textbooks to the school workshop, allowing students to buy and read at their discretion. Prof. Ogbo encouraged lecturers to write engaging and well detailed books that would attract students’ interest rather than compelling them to buy specific texts. This policy faced aggressive opposition, but Prof. Ogbo ultimately prevailed in his efforts to protect students from extortion.

When e-examination policies were introduced for certain courses in line with global standards, some who benefited from outdated practices rallied students against the change. However, through diplomatic engagement with the student union, Prof. Ogbo was able to navigate the situation successfully. Students eventually recognized their initial resistance as misguided and expressed gratitude to the Rector for making examinations more accessible.

Amidst numerous achievements in infrastructure, security, healthcare, and social amenities, Prof. Ogbo has consistently refused to claim all the glory for himself. He attributes his successes to the collective efforts of his subordinates, praising directors, heads of departments, the Directorate of Students Affairs, security personnel, legal units, hospital management, lecturers, and students alike.

When the polytechnic was in a serious “Sorry State” before the appointment of Prof Ogbo, some of the management staff receiving accolades were there, some of the unit of the polytechnic specifically the ICT unit was functioning, the security department and others were all functioning but what is lacking is the leadership will power to cordinate those units properly for efficient result, Professor Ogbo didn’t just provide the required leadership will, he brings innovations and total reforms and reorganization that has transformed the polytechnic today, yet he praised everyone. This demonstrates that Prof. Ogbo is not self centred, he is generous, sincere, transparent, and values true collaboration as a visionary leader.

A stream that refuses to forget its source never runs dry, Prof Ogbo also expressed gratitude to the former Governor Yahaya Bello (White Lion) for recognizing his potential and providing him with a platform to serve. Additionally, he extended his appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for renewing his tenure, which solidifies the gains achieved during his first time in office and given room for more developments to thrive. Professor Ogbo is a role model by practices. The unflinching loyalty he is demonstrating today is a way of teaching the younger generation on the values of appreciation through loyalty and performance.

There is much to say about the transformative leadership of Prof. Ogbo, and we hope he continues to find broader platforms to serve the people of Kogi State.

Bello Onimisi Abdulhameed (Ivavah)writes from Ajaokuta LGA.