'You can attain anything if you put your minds to it,' Dr Ogbo tells Kogi Poly students at 28th matriculation »

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr Salisu Usman Ogbo has encouraged students in his institution to go after their goals with intent and determination.

He made the assertion on Saturday at the Matriculation Ground of the Polytechnic during the 28th Matriculation Ceremony of the school in Lokoja.

Using himself as an example, his academic sojourn from the Polytechnic, he stressed that Matriculation ceremony is his third encounter in the series within the Institution.

“My first experience was about twenty six (26) years ago, as one of the matriculating students of the pioneer IJMBE Programme, 1995 set. My second experience was last year when I had the rare privilege and opportunity to preside over the 27th Matriculation ceremony as Acting Rector of my Alma Mata after my appointment on 7th April, 2020.

“I am delighted to welcome you all to the 28th Matriculation ceremony of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja. Let me begin by appreciating God Almighty for the rare privilege and opportunity to officially enrol 6,385 matriculating students into the academic programmes of our dear Polytechnic.

“This comprises 4,512 students for National Diploma (ND) programme and 1,873 students for Higher National Diploma (HND) programme spread across six Schools, including the newly established School of Agricultural Technology, Itakpe.

“To the glory of God and the benevolence of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, I am highly excited and delighted to preside over this 28th Matriculation ceremony as my third in the series of encounter, now as the substantive Rector of our dear Institution.

“The import of the forgoing which I have always echoed in many fora is that my appointment was a historic one with lots of unfolding lessons for the students and younger generation to learn. Undoubtedly, I am the first alumnus and the youngest ever to have been so appointed as the Head of this noble institution since its inception 29 years ago.

“My dear students, you can attain this modest height with simple but rewarding sacrifices such as self-discipline, commitment to set positive goals and objectives, dedication to studies, respect for rules and regulation, enduring the momentary hardship, self-worth, positive thinking and aspiration, and above all, knowing why you are here and what you want to be in future.”

While expressing gratitude to the Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the opportunity given him to serve, he promised to continue to work towards the realization of the Governor’s dream for quality education in an environment conducive to teaching and learning.

“Obviously, Kogi State Polytechnic, often described as a “mini Kogi State” because of its social composition, is a confluence of many tribes, opportunities and skills. I shall continue to work in line with the aspiration of our amiable Governor for a united and an indivisible Kogi State in every sphere of my responsibilities within and outside the Institution.’