No fewer than 79 students of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, have graduated with distinctions across various academic programmes.
The Rector of the institution, Professor Salisu Ogbo, disclosed this during a press briefing held to mark the Polytechnic’s 5th Combined Convocation Ceremony.
Providing a breakdown of the graduating students, Prof. Ogbo said a total of 2,965 students would be conferred with diplomas, comprising 1,711 National Diploma (ND) graduands and 1,254 Higher National Diploma (HND) graduands.
According to him, 41 students earned distinctions at the National Diploma level, while 38 students graduated with distinctions at the Higher National Diploma level from different schools and departments of the institution.
“It is noteworthy that we have a healthy distribution of distinctions, upper credit, lower credit, and pass grades across programmes. This underscores improved academic discipline, integrity in examinations, and enhanced teaching and learning outcomes,” the Rector stated.
He added that the performance profile further reinforces the Polytechnic’s reputation for producing graduates who are academically sound, practically equipped, and industry-ready.
Prof. Ogbo also noted that the timely release of examination results and the impressive number of graduands are clear indicators that Kogi State Polytechnic has moved from an era of uncertainty to one characterised by predictability, order, and academic confidence.
“This affirms our commitment to ensuring that students graduate as and when due, without unnecessary delays, frustrations, or administrative bottlenecks,” he said.
Reflecting on his administration since assuming office in 2020, the Professor of Political Science said the institution recorded tremendous achievements, including improved workers’ welfare and the construction of massive infrastructure to enhance teaching and learning activities on campus.
“I want to state clearly and unequivocally that we met abandoned projects and a backlog of examination results in Kogi State Polytechnic. However, we are leaving behind no abandoned projects and no backlog of results,” he declared.
He explained that the milestones recorded were products of deliberate planning, fiscal discipline, and strong institutional governance, stressing that his leadership was driven by clear goals rather than the title of office.
“These goals are encapsulated in our vision under the 3R mantra of Repair, Reform, and Restore. As watchdogs of society, you are well placed to objectively assess whether we have delivered on this mandate,” he said.
As his tenure winds down, Prof. Ogbo said his administration humbly submits its stewardship to public scrutiny, noting that where expectations may not have been fully met, he accepts full responsibility.
He expressed deep appreciation to the media for its sustained support and partnership, while urging continued cooperation with the next leadership of the institution.
The Rector also acknowledged the support of the institution’s Visitors, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as well as the 10th Governing Council, management, academic board members, government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers, staff, and students.
“Finally, the task of repairing, reforming, and restoring Kogi State Polytechnic remains a work in progress. As I hand over to the next phase of leadership, I call on all stakeholders to continue contributing selflessly to leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” he said.