Resumption: Kogi Poly Management Engages Student Unions, Security Agencies Over School Fees Increase

… As Student leaders distance selves from rumored protest plans

The Management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, on Monday, September 15, 2025, held an interactive session with representatives of Student Unions to address concerns over the recent upward review of school fees as students returned to the campus today for First Semester 2025/2026 academic session.

The meeting held at the Council Chamber of the Polytechnic’s main campus in Lokoja, also had in attendance representatives of key security agencies in the state, including the Nigeria Police Force (B Division), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Kogi State Vigilante Service.

The engagement was aimed at fostering dialogue and reinforce mutual understanding on the subject for a smooth take – off of the first semester of the academic session.
The meeting was specially called amid rumors of a purported planned protest by some individuals who are linking their planned action to the students of the Polytechnic.

The Rector, Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo, stressed that the fee adjustment process was carried out procedurally and meticulously, and with critical stakeholders fully represented in the Committee that was setup by the management for the purpose.

He added that the committee chaired by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Samuel Taiwo Olowo, also include the Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, the executives of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), the Non-Indigenous Students’ Association, Alumni Association, Chaplain, Imam, Dean of Student Services, Director of Legal Services, the Chief Security Officer, among others.

He noted that, the Committee, after extensive consultations, made recommendations for an upward adjustment of school fees in line with prevailing economic realities.

Prof Usman pointed out that the last time school fees were reviewed in the Polytechnic was in 2018 (7 years ago), which was when pump price of Petrol rose from N97 to N145 per litre and diesel from N120 to N200 per litre.

Currently, he stressed, the Pump price of petrol sells at N890 per litre while Diesel costs N1,200 per litre. Similarly, the price of learning materials particularly a ream of paper which was sold at N500 in 2018 is now sold at N5,500.

He added that it was on the basis of these realities that the Committee recommended an upward review of school fees, using the Kwara State Polytechnic template.

This choice, the Rector explained, was informed by historical ties, as Kogi State was carved out from both Kwara and Benue States, with Lokoja particularly under Kwara, making it logical to adopt the Kwara State Polytechnic template.

The recommendations were subsequently processed and approved accordingly by the Kogi State House of Assembly with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.

He further explained that the approved fee template is to begin with the new students only, while the returning students will continue with the 2018 fee structure.

He, therefore, emphasised that the increment is necessary to sustain quality education.

Prof. Dr Usman Ogbo further highlighted the Polytechnic’s commitment to strengthening security, enhancing health services, and expanding extracurricular programs, stressing that sustainable funding is essential to maintaining a conducive learning environment.

He reassured students of management’s commitment to their welfare, stating that “the last thing I will do is to inflict pains on students, because I know my background.”

He further assured the students’ representatives that beginning from the next session, efforts would be put in place to provide room for installmental payment, as suggested during the interactive sessions.

The Rector also cautioned students against being lured by any external bodies who have ulterior motives which are obviously against the overall academic progress of the students, noting that management is not unaware of the purported protest by those that have no direct relationship with Kogi State Polytechnic.

He urged them to remain focused on their studies and not allow themselves to be misled.

The Rector also praised His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his unwavering commitment to advancing education in Kogi State.

He noted that under the Governor’s support, the Polytechnic has witnessed remarkable interventions, including the installation of surveillance cameras across the campuses, the fencing of the Itakpe campus to prevent land encroachment, and the provision of solar-powered streetlights to enhance illumination and security.

In a show of unity, all the students’ representatives at the meeting unanimously distanced themselves from the purported planned protest, affirming that their leadership had neither endorsed nor organized any of such action.

The President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Comrade Enimokanyi Janet, said that herself, the President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAKOSS) and the Non – Indigenous Students Association were involved at all stages of discussions leading to the new fee structure.

She commended the management for the openness and commitment to engaging students directly.

Similarly, the President of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), Kogi State Polytechnic Chapter, Comrade Abubakar Isah Sheriff, acknowledged the prevailing economic realities, noting that the review of school fees had become inevitable.

The President of the Non-Indigene Students’ Association, Comrade Opeyemi Rasheed, also appreciated the Rector and Management for initiating the interactive session, which he described as an eye-opener.

He, however, appealed for greater flexibility in the payment structure, suggesting installment options or extended deadlines especially for students from low-income backgrounds.

Representatives of the security agencies commended Prof. Usman for his proactive approach in convening the meeting, describing it as a timely intervention to promote peace on campus.

They pledged full support and assured that security personnel would be deployed as needed to maintain law and order, while urging all parties to continue resolving grievances through constructive dialogue.

The meeting was attended by the Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, and student representatives, including the Students’ Union Government (SUG) executives led by President Enimokanyi Oluwadamilola Janet, alongside other officers. Also present were the executives of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS) led by President Abubakar Isah Sheriff, with his team of officials.

In addition, the Non-Indigene President and the various Departmental Presidents were in attendance.

Mrs Uredo Omale
Director, Public Relations and Protocol,
Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja

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