The Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, held its matriculation ceremony on Saturday, welcoming 6,549 new students into the 2024/2025 academic session. The ceremony, presided over by the Rector, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, emphasized the institution’s zero-tolerance policy towards cultism and other social vices.

Prof. Ogbo warned students against engaging in cultism, gun-running, examination malpractice, drug abuse, and other prohibited activities, urging them to prioritize their studies and maintain a conducive learning environment.

Speaking to the students, he said, *“Let me particularly emphasize cultism, which is completely forbidden on our campus. Any breach will attract appropriate penalties, including outright expulsion and prosecution.”*

The Rector further highlighted the security measures put in place to combat cult-related activities, including visible and invisible security architectures. He encouraged students to report any attempts to intimidate or lure them into cultism.

Prof. Ogbo also announced a significant increase in the diversity of the student population, with enrollees from 32 states of the federation, representing 88.9% of Nigeria’s states. This marks a 16.7% improvement in representation compared to the previous academic session, aligning with the Polytechnic’s vision of being a melting pot of cultures.

The Rector commended the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his contributions to the institution, including the fencing of the Itakpe Campus and the installation of CCTV cameras for enhanced security.

The 32nd matriculation ceremony celebrated not only the students’ academic journey but also the Polytechnic’s progress under Prof. Ogbo’s leadership. The Rector reiterated the institution’s commitment to providing quality education while fostering a safe and inclusive environment.

Students were encouraged to embrace the values of the Polytechnic and contribute positively to its reputation as a “confluence of opportunities.”