Education
Covid-19: Kogi Sets to Reopen Schools
The Kogi State Government on Tuesday announced the reopening of schools at all levels on September 14, 2020, including Primary, Secondary and Tertiary institutions in the state.
The State’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
According to the Commissioner, the State Government arrived at this decision after series of interaction with the relevant stakeholders and assessment of both private and public schools in the state to ascertain their level of preparedness and safety for reopening of schools from Covid-19 break.
”You will recall that His Excellency, Gov. Yahaya Bello, had directed the closure of all schools from primary to tertiary institutions in the state from March 23rd, 2020, because of the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic.
”’Subsequently, upon the directive of the Federal Ministry of Education, exit classes were opened for Primary 6, JSS3 and SS3 in Kogi on August 10, 2020, to particularly allow the SS3 classes to prepare and write the WAEC examination.
”Therefore, upon further review having had several meetings with relevant stakeholders, His Excellency has directed that all schools in Kogi State should fully reopen on September 14, 2020, that is two weeks from today”, he said.
The Commissioner stressed that the state government arrived at this decision after assessing the situations of schools especially for the exit classes that had resumed, saying ”we have not recorded any negative report as far as Covid-19 pandemic is concerned.
”Hence, His Excellency dimmed it fit for every school to open for full academic activities.
He, however, advised and encouraged all heads of every school to ensure full compliance with the Covid-19 protocols which had been clearly set out by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19.
He noted that all these details and guidelines on Covid-19 protocols by PTF were available and in public space.
”The ministry will review the state’s Academic Calendar accordingly to reflect on the new development, and the details would be worked out and released to the relevant stakeholders in due course before resumption.
”However, we encouraged that all relevant educational stakeholders like ANCOPSS, ASSUS, SUBEB, NAPPS, Heads of Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State, NUT, STETSCOM and every other stakeholders are very free to liaise with us at the ministry for further clarification.
”We are equally informing the general public, parents, guardians, schools heads that we are very particular about the health and safety of our learners in Kogi State.
”So, the State Government will not stop at anything to ensure that our learners are kept in good condition as far as Covid-19 pandemic and indeed other diseases or health issues are concerned”, he said.
He, therefore encouraged everybody to play their roles to ensure personal hygiene reiterating that personal hygiene remained the personal responsibility of everybody.
”For the higher institutions, I have personally placed direct telephone calls to the heads of all state’s tertiary institutions and I had discussions with them to ascertain their level of preparedness. It appears that all of them are fully ready for schools’ reopening.
”We have equally asked them to get in touch with the ministry should there be any further requirements in order for them to make their institutions safe for the benefit of students and staff”, the Commissioner said.
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Education
Kogi Poly Uncovers Certificate Forgery, Document Falsification Syndicate, Vows To Deal With Culprits
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has uncovered massive certificate forgery and document falsification syndicate in the institution with a vow to deal with culprits
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo disclosed this while briefing Journalists in his office, the development which he described as “of serious concern regarding the integrity of its academic system”.
Professor Ogbo said the institution uncovered the scandal involving some students, non-students, and some members of staff who conspired to manipulate academic records of the institution.
According to the Rector, the syndicate was found to have manipulated academic records, forged results, and attempted to obtain original certificates using fake documents, in connivance with some staff members, including a Deputy Registrar, who are currently on suspension.
He explained that the syndicate forged National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) results, with some individuals even attempting to collect original certificates for the fabricated results, noting that “such criminal acts represent an assault on the credibility and reputation of our institution, and they cannot be allowed to go unpunished”.
He said investigations revealed several cases of document falsification, including forged National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) results, with some suspects compromising the institution’s security arrangements and tampering with security features on the institution’s Statements of Result.
Highlighting some of the cases under investigation, Professor Ogbo revealed that one Amina Mustapha forged ND and HND results and attempted to use them to obtain original certificates in connivance with some staff members.
Amina who was alleged to have appeared alongside a staff member, Mr. Dominic Egwuda, who is currently on the run, to collect both ND and HND certificates in Computer Science never attended the institution as a student.
He cited another case involving Mfon Asuquo, a student who had absconded with multiple carry-overs, fraudulently obtained a statement of result.
He said Dansuma Mercy Sunday, who connived with a former student, Henry Tope, also forged statements of result.
The Rector who noted that the suspects used sophisticated methods to compromise the instruction’s security arrangements and tamper with security features on official documents, said all the suspects involved in the forgery scandal would be handed over to the Police for further investigation and diligent prosecution, to serve as a deterrent to others.
Prof. Ogbo recalled that before joining KSPL, the academic integrity of the institution was nothing to write home about due to the activities of some individuals who forged security documents, particularly the Statement of Results.
“Then, it was alarmingly easy for individuals to forge and print statements of result of the Polytechnic at business centres. Some even had the audacity to present such forged results back to the Polytechnic, and to the same department they allegedly “graduated” from”.
He explained further that his administration, on assumption of duty, however changed the Statement of Results template to a more secure version, which had minimized the forgery to the barest minimum.
“In addition, we have also implemented comprehensive reforms across all sectors of the Polytechnic, aimed at achieving academic excellence and restoring the integrity of the institution.
“In the same vein, we introduced stringent measures to enhance quality assurance, stamp out irregularities and curb sharp practices.”
He said despite the successes recorded in the fight against the malaise, ”it’s disheartening that the Polytechnic has once again uncovered document falsification syndicate involving some students, non-students and a few dishonest members of staff who conspired to manipulate academic records in flagrant disregard of due process and institutional values “.
“Following intelligence reports and routine verification exercises by the Admission, ICT, and Security units, a detailed investigation was launched in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies.
“Investigation revealed shocking levels of audacity and deceit. Some of the suspects forged National Diploma (ND) results in the name of Kogi State Polytechnic and had the temerity to apply for Higher National Diploma HND admission in the same institution using the forged ND results. Even more alarming, others forged both ND and HND results and had the guts to apply for the collection of original certificates for the same fabricated results”.
“We are pleased to inform the public that four suspects involved in the forgery of statements of result were apprehended during registration. They have been handed over to our security unit, whose investigation led to the unmasking of the broader syndicate behind this academic fraud”.
“In another discovery, a staff member in the Exams and Records unit already under disciplinary review had in his possession 30 forged Statements of Result bearing different names and programmes. Security operatives also recovered several fake official stamps, stamp pads and admission letters bearing different names and programmes from his residence”.
While reiterating its uncompromising zero-tolerance policy for academic fraud and unethical conduct, the Rector emphasized that any staff member, student, or external collaborator found culpable will face the full wrath of the law and institutional disciplinary measures.
“We shall not relent in our effort to expose and eliminate all forms of misconduct that is capable of denting hard earned reputation of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
“All individuals involved in this forgery scandal will be immediately handed over to the Police for further investigation and diligent prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.”
He again assured the public, other stakeholders and the Polytechnic community that its quality assurance measures and security mechanisms remain fully active and uncompromised, insisting that the institution will not relent in its efforts to protect its integrity and reputation.
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Education
NKFI Rector X-rays 3 years of Success story
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Rector of Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI) of Vocational and Advanced Technology, Dr Williams Charles Oluwatoyin has marked three-year in office with impressive achievements that have transformed the institution to unprecedented growth in the last three years of his leadership.
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Speaking in a chat with Our Correspondent on Tuesday October 21st, 2025 in Lokoja, Williams asserted that his administration has led NKFI to unprecedented heights, achieving significant milestones that have transformed the institution in the past three years.
Under his astute leadership, NKFI has experienced remarkable growth and advancement, exemplified by a staggering 500% increase in student enrollment, escalating from a mere 40 students as at September 2022, when I assumed office, to over 900 students as of September 2025, all within a span of three years.
One of the remarkable achievements of the leadership of Dr Williams is the deployment of NKFI’s website and academic portal, as well as over 200% increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) within the period of three years under review, far improved than what was obtainable before assuming office .
The Rector, who assumed office on 2nd of September, 2022, has also revamped the institute’s infrastructure, enhanced campus security, and introduced new programs, including Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Photography/ Cinematography and fashion design.
Other notable initiatives introduced by the Rector includes the development of distance learning for remote academic activities, creation of the following Directorates and units ; Directorate of Student Services, Directorate of Academic planning , establishment of NKFI Consultancy Services, Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Directorate of Linkage , partnership and collaboration, Public Relations Unit, Research Innovation and Development unit. Department of Part time and the department of Vocational training
The Rector has also signed over 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several institutions including Kogi State Polytechnic, Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), and the African Development Study Centre (ADSC) to foster partnerships and collaborations in areas of resources sharing, students’ growth research and fabrications, among others.
Dr Williams’ administration also got ifull accreditation of all its Programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). The accredited programmes include: Automotive Mechatronics; Welding and Fabrication; Electrical/Electronic Technology and Computer Software Engineering.
The Institute’s staff have also benefited from unrelenting efforts of the Rector with the integration into the tertiary institution salary scale, and ensuring timely payment of salaries for ad-hoc staff, and creation of a Cooperative society.
Under Dr Williams’ leadership, the institute has approved the establishment of a part-time studies center at Obajana centre, and secured a permanent site for the institute for future expansion.
The administration of Dr. Williams has developed policy documents that were not available before he was appointed. They are ; the academic, physical and a strategic master plan (Vision 2030), and trained over 250 Kogi youth in KOYESA training in over 8 different Vocation while handing over starter packs .
The rector also lauded the collaborations and partnerships forged with the people and Government of Korea, which have been instrumental in supporting students through training initiatives and capacity-building endeavors for staff, all aimed at realizing the institution’s objectives in vocational training and advanced technology.
Dr Williams conveyed his profound gratitude to the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for deeming him worthy of the appointment to serve the esteemed populace of the state.
He also lauded Governor Ahmed Ododo for his steadfast commitment to the institute’s mission of nurturing dynamic youth adept in vocational skills and advanced technologies.
This initiative empowers them to attain self-sufficiency and emerge as employers of labor, thus significantly contributing to the economic progress of the state as a technological hub of Nigeria.
The students, staff and stakeholders at the institutions, lauded Dr. Williams’ impressive achievements, noting that his leadership has been instrumental in transforming NKFI, and they believe that he has the vision and expertise to take the institution to even greater heights.
A staff who spoke to our a Reporter on condition of anonymity, “We believe in Dr. Williams’ capacity to take NKFI to even greater heights. His vision, leadership, and expertise have been instrumental in transforming the institution, and we have no doubt that he will continue to make significant contributions to NKFI’s growth and development”.
“As staff of NKFI, we’ve witnessed Dr Williams’ commitment to excellence and his vision for the institution.
“We’ve seen significant growth and development under Dr Williams’ leadership, and we’re confident that he’ll continue to take NKFI to greater heights,” An Adhoc staff said.
A non teaching staff said: “Dr Williams has been an outstanding leader, providing us with the necessary support and resources to excel in our security roles. It would be a great opportunity for him to build on his achievements.”
“His leadership has transformed our learning experience, and we’re confident he’ll continue to take our institution to greater heights.”
A student, Michael Apeh, said: “Mr. Williams has been an amazing leader, providing us with state-of-the-art facilities, innovative programmes, and opportunities for growth.
“Under Dr. Williams’ leadership, NKFI has become a hub for academic excellence and innovation”.
A stakeholder, Mr Abdullahi Usman, said: “As a partner institution, we’ve witnessed NKFI’s transformation under Dr. Williams’ leadership which has been beneficial to the institution and the community at large.
“The rector has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, and his vision for NKFI aligns with our organization’s goals.
Another stakeholder, Mr Shittu Adelabu stated: “We’ve seen the positive impact of Dr. Williams’ leadership on NKFI’s students, staff, and the community.
“We believe in his ability to continue to take the institution to even greater heights,” another stakeholder asserted”
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Education
FUL Vice Chancellor Charges Graduating Students To be Good Ambassadors
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, has charged graduating students of the institution to be good ambassadors of their Alma mater as they go into the wider world
Professor Akinwumi gave the charge at the 9th Convocation Ceremony of the institution held at its permanent site, Felele, in Lokoja on Saturday.
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He told the graduands that the world they are about stepping into is filled with challenges and limited opportunities hence the need for them to hold fast to the values learned from their institution.
“Integrity, hard work, service to humanity, and innovation should remain your goals wherever you found yourselves in your future endeavours. Your success is not measured only by personal achievement but also by impact you make in lives of others. Be bold, be vissionary, and let your alma mater be proud of you” the VC admonished.
The VC disclosed that the university embarked on the construction of a 1.72-megawatt solar power plant at the cost of N3 billion ($200 million) to boost electricity supply on campus.
Akinwumi said that the project was meant to illuminate the university for academic excellence.
The VC explained that the project was assisted by the African Development Bank and the World Bank under the Energising Education Programme.
He described the plant as a significant step towards sustainable energy in the university community.
“This landmark project is a testament to the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility and operational self-reliance.
“We strongly believe that the 1.72-megawatt solar power system will enable the university to generate surplus electricity and achieve energy self-sufficiency and benefit students and staff for generations to come,” he said.
According to him, the solar power project is part of the university’s efforts to promote innovation and sustainability.
He noted that when completed, the project would not only reduce the university’s reliance on public electricity but would also provide a clean and renewable source of energy.
Akinwumi further disclosed that a total of 5,051 graduates of the 2024/2025 academic session would receive various degrees and diplomas, comprising 3,466 undergraduates, 747 diplomas, and 838 postgraduates. He said, “Out of the figure, 35 students bagged first class, 760 with second class upper, 2,287 with second class lower, 383 with third class, and one with pass.
Akinwumi took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s achievements, emphasising that the university has recorded landmark achievements across various fronts under his leadership.
He stressed that the university has grown from a modest institution into a multi-faculty university with robust academic offerings, new faculties, and programmes.
He said that despite limited funding, FUL has undergone a visible infrastructural transformation, with 34 major projects either completed or ongoing.
Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdallah, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University, Lokoja, in his address at the event, congratulated the graduands for the completion of their academic journey with huge success.
The Pro-Chancellor held that Federal University, Lokoja, had flourished in the last five years under the vissionary leadership of the VC Professor Olayemi Akinwumi.
According to him “Over the past few years, we have witnessed consistent advancement in our academic programmes, infrastructural development, and research endeavours” the Pro-Chancellor attested.
He appealed to the federal government to as a matter of necessity to construct Pedestrian Bridge across the expressway that traverse directly in front of the permanent campus at Felele to avert the incessant flow of trailers, trucks, and automobiles constituting safety hazards to students, staff and other people who cross it on daily basis.
Ends
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