Kogi Poly Denies Politically Motivated Claims

Kogi Poly Denies Politically Motivated Claims

The Management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has drawn attention to publications circulating in sections of the media alleging a resurgence of cult activities, “sex-for-marks”, extortion, administrative laxity, and a breakdown of discipline within the institution.

The Management categorically describes the reports as malicious, sensational, and deliberately designed to mislead the public, tarnish the institution’s hard-earned reputation, and undermine the ongoing reforms being implemented under the leadership of the Rector, Professor Salihu Sanusi Avidime.

According to the Management, the reports lack credible evidence, relying almost entirely on unsubstantiated allegations, conjecture, half-truths, and deliberate misrepresentation that fall far short of the standards expected of ethical journalism.

The Polytechnic expressed concern that the individuals behind the alleged misinformation campaign deliberately used the wide reach of BusinessDay Newspaper to amplify claims founded on anonymous, unverified, and politically motivated allegations. It argued that publishing such claims without adequate verification undermines both the institution and the principles of responsible journalism.

The statement noted that reputable media organisations are expected to subject allegations of this nature to rigorous verification, balance, and fairness before publication, rather than allowing their platforms to be used to advance the interests of individuals seeking to damage the institution’s reputation through sensational and unsupported claims.

According to the Management, a careful examination of the allegations reveals significant inconsistencies, an absence of verifiable evidence, and what it described as a deliberate attempt to create a misleading narrative.

Response to the Allegations

The Polytechnic rejected claims of a resurgence in cult activities, stating that its second-semester examinations were conducted peacefully and without any reported incidents of cult-related violence, intimidation, or security breaches across both campuses.

It further pointed out that students have been on semester break since 16 June 2026, making claims that students are currently living in fear on campus inconsistent with the reality that both campuses have largely been vacated.

The Management also dismissed allegations of “sex-for-marks” and extortion, noting that no identifiable complainants, documentary evidence, audio or video recordings, written petitions, police reports, or disciplinary records were presented to support the claims.

It stressed that while allegations of such a serious nature deserve proper investigation, they cannot be accepted as established facts solely on the basis of anonymous claims.

According to the statement, ethical journalism requires allegations to be authenticated and supported by credible evidence before publication. It maintained that anonymous accusations alone cannot substitute for proof or justify damaging the reputation of an institution or its leadership.

Disciplinary Measures Already Taken

The Management also noted that the reports acknowledged the suspension of six lecturers on 23 July 2026 over allegations relating to the unauthorised sale of books, handouts, and extortion, in addition to the earlier suspension of another lecturer over alleged sexual harassment.

It argued that these actions demonstrate that the Polytechnic’s disciplinary processes are active, responsive, and uncompromising, rather than indicating administrative weakness.

According to the Management, institutions committed to accountability investigate complaints and take disciplinary action whenever credible evidence is presented.

Rector’s Official Engagements

The statement also dismissed suggestions that the Rector’s absence from campus had contributed to misconduct, describing such claims as speculative and unfounded.

It explained that the office of the Rector extends beyond the physical campus and includes official engagements with agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and other statutory bodies whose decisions directly affect the institution’s accreditation, funding, admissions, and development.

According to the Management, these official assignments form an essential part of the Rector’s responsibilities and cannot reasonably be interpreted as administrative neglect.

Commitment to Transparency

The Polytechnic stated that the publications seek to invite the public to judge the institution in the court of public opinion without credible evidence, contrary to the principle that allegations must be substantiated before conclusions are drawn.

It reaffirmed its commitment to investigating any genuine complaint supported by verifiable facts and stated that it has consistently encouraged the use of established reporting channels.

The Management maintained that the publications are speculative, sensational, and intended to create public distrust without meeting the evidentiary standards expected of responsible journalism.

It concluded by stating that public confidence should be built on verified facts rather than conjecture, evidence rather than insinuation, and fair reporting rather than what it described as a politically motivated attempt to damage the reputation of the institution and its leadership without proof of wrongdoing.

Signed

John Amos Onimisi
Acting Co-ordinator
Directorate of Public Relations and Protocols
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja

27 July 2026

Kogi Poly Denies Politically Motivated Claims

Kogi Poly Denies Politically Motivated Claims

Kogi Poly Denies Politically Motivated Claims

Kogi Poly Denies Politically Motivated Claims

Kogi Poly Denies Politically Motivated Claims

Kogi Poly Denies Politically Motivated Claims

Kogi Poly Denies Politically Motivated Claims