Education
Kogi AGILE Disburses CCT N40,000 Grants to Schoolgirls
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Kogi State, has continued the distribution of N40,000 Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) grants to schoolgirls since the flag-off of the scheme. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The initiative is aimed at enhancing school enrollment, retention, and transition for adolescent girls, thereby strengthening their contribution to the state’s social and economic development.
During the exercise held at GYB Model Science Secondary School (GYBMSSS), Lokoja, the AGILE team issued preloaded ATM cards to parents and guardians of beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, the Kogi State Project Coordinator, Mr. Ahmed Oricha, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for keeping to his promise of ensuring that ATM cards are distributed across the state to all beneficiaries.
He stressed that the disbursement was not a one-off, but a follow-up activity towards the Governor’s pledge that the AGILE-CCT initiative will be sustained as a continuous intervention under the AGILE project.
He emphasized that the project would provide a cash grant of N40,000 each to 13,359 adolescent girls in transition classes across the state, with the goal of dismantling financial and socio-cultural barriers preventing girls from attending school.
Oricha further urged schoolgirls to maintain regular school attendance, while calling on parents to ensure the funds are used strictly for their children’s education.
The Lead Consultant, Mr. Richard Alabi, reiterated that the account linked to the ATM card is a dedicated wallet for AGILE fund disbursement and must not be diverted for other uses. He emphasized that beneficiaries must sustain at least 70 per cent school attendance to continue enjoying the scheme, while also cautioning parents against paying any form of processing fees, as the government has fully covered the costs.
The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Lead, Mr. Kunle Musa, explained that the disbursement is being carried out in batches until all 13,359 beneficiaries receive their funds.
UBA Branch Manager, Ms. Jennifer Efe, lauded the state government’s commitment to prioritizing education through the AGILE-CCT program, noting that Kogi is among the first states to begin actual implementation.
She encouraged parents to use the funds appropriately for their children’s education and advised them to consider opening a separate savings account for future planning.
The Principal of GYBMSSS, Chief Godwin Ajofe Yakubu, commended Governor Ododo for making education a priority and ensuring that girls are not left behind. He expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support in making the project successful.
Parents and beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude. Mrs. Mariam Paul, a parent, said: “I have received the N40,000 on behalf of my daughter through the ATM card that was given to us. We are grateful to the government, AGILE, and all stakeholders for this support.”
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- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Education
VC Salem University Charges 168 Graduating Students To Be Good Ambassadors
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Vice Chancellor of the Salem University, Lokoja, Professor Johnson Alewo Akubo has charged 168 graduating students of the institution to be good ambassadors of their Alma mater as they go into the labour market in search of greener pastures for survival. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Professor Akubo gave the charge while briefing journalists on the lined up activities for the 7th Convocation ceremony billed to take place on Friday, 21st November.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that of the total number of the graduands, four will be graduating with first Class Degrees.
He admonished the graduands as Change Agents, to distinguish themselves in various industries. From public administration to media, business, technology, and education, they have demonstrated diligence, creativity, and moral uprightness in every sphere of life.
He noted that employers at various levels have consistently commended Salem University graduates for their integrity, competence, aptitude, sound moral character, and fear of God, dependability and leadership potentials. They are not just academically sound but spiritually and emotionally balanced—reflecting the holistic education philosophy of this great institution which we have maintained overtime and still sustaining” he admonished.
“With gratitude, Professor Akubo acknowledged the visionary leadership of Archbishop Dr. Sam Amaga, the founding chancellor, whose “unwavering faith and compassion” have driven Salem University to become a hub of moral and academic excellence.
Professor Akubo expressed appreciation to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his support, and extended gratitude to sister universities, partners, and the media for their collaboration.
“Salem University was birthed through divine inspiration to raise global leaders who are spiritually alive, intellectually alert, and socially responsible,” he said.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, Akubo noted that the university’s consistent academic calendar, zero tolerance for malpractice, and recent approval for a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, positioning Salem as a rising medical hub in North-Central Nigeria.
The institution has also launched postgraduate programmes and is expanding into engineering, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized Salem’s commitment to community service, providing jobs, promoting entrepreneurship, and uplifting Elete and Jimgbe communities.
“Our graduates are Change Agents, distinguished by integrity, competence, and moral uprightness,” he said, thanking employers for their positive feedback.
Looking ahead, Akubo outlined a vision for Salem to become a world-class institution, driving research, innovation, and international partnerships.
He appealed to the Kogi State government to invest in the university, citing its economic and societal impact, and commended Governor Ododo’s efforts in improving worker welfare.
In a challenge to the government, Akubo urged more investment in healthcare, referencing the governor’s recent initiative to curb medical brain drain. “We commend you where you do well and draw attention to areas needing amends,” he said.
As the university marks this milestone, Professor Akubo thanked the media for amplifying Salem’s story and looked forward to continued support.
With faith in its mission, Salem University graduates another class of transformative leaders into the world.
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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. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
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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