The management of Kogi State Polytechnic has reaffirmed its zero tolerance for insecurity, cultism and other social vices as the institution held its 33rd Orientation and Matriculation Ceremony for newly admitted students of the 2025/2026 academic session.

‎A total of 4,591 regular students were formally admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session and were inducted into the Polytechnic community during the ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Rector, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, cautioned students and staff against spreading unverified information capable of disrupting peace on campus.

He recalled a security scare in November last year when rumours of a bandit invasion sparked panic and led to a stampede during a lecture, stressing that investigations later traced the incident to an unconfirmed alert announced by a lecturer.

Prof. Usman warned that false alarms and misinformation would not be tolerated, urging the Polytechnic community to remain calm, verify information and rely strictly on official security channels.

He also reiterated the institution’s firm stance against cultism, noting that strengthened security architecture and disciplinary measures have significantly reduced cult-related activities.

Highlighting academic progress under his administration, the Rector disclosed that 19 of the 57 programmes currently offered by the Polytechnic were introduced during his tenure, representing over 33 per cent growth.

He said the expansion aligns with national manpower needs and global best practices in technical and vocational education, while assuring students of access to modern laboratories, ICT-driven examinations, libraries, entrepreneurship training and a safe learning environment.

The Rector commended the Kogi State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for sustained support to the institution, particularly in staff welfare and infrastructure.

He also noted strides in inclusive leadership, citing the emergence of the Polytechnic’s first female Student Union Government president. Speaking on behalf of the matriculating students, Awal Muhammed and Aisha Yakubu expressed gratitude and excitement, describing their admission as the fulfillment of long-held dreams.