From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Polytechnic has officially matriculated 4,591 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, the institution announced on Thursday in Lokoja. The students were admitted across seven schools and 57 academic programmes of the Polytechnic.Speaking at the 33rd matriculation ceremony held at the institution’s matriculation ground, Rector Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman revealed that 2,460 students (54%) were admitted into National Diploma (ND I) programmes, while 2,131 students (46%) gained entry into Higher National Diploma (HND I) courses.“The gender distribution is equally encouraging, with 52% male and 48% female, reflecting steady progress in our gender balance,” he said.
The School of Management Studies recorded the highest enrolment with 2,663 students, followed by the School of Applied Sciences with 1,146 students. Prof. Usman noted that 19 of the 57 programmes were introduced under the current administration, representing more than a 33% expansion in academic offerings.Highlighting the Polytechnic’s growing national reach, the Rector said students from 33 states of the federation are enrolled this session, representing over 91% of Nigeria’s states. This marks an increase from the 2024/2025 intake, which saw representation from 32 states.
Prof. Usman expressed appreciation to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for providing an enabling environment for teaching and learning. He cited the recent fencing of the Itakpe Campus and installation of CCTV surveillance systems across both campuses as measures that have enhanced security and learning conditions.The Rector also acknowledged support from the State Health Insurance Scheme and the extended tax exemption on the new minimum wage, which have provided additional relief for staff.
Congratulating the newly admitted students, Prof. Usman described their admission as a reflection of confidence in their potential to meet the academic, technical, and ethical standards of their chosen programmes. He reassured students that the Polytechnic remains committed to delivering a student-centred learning environment, supported by modern infrastructure, laboratories, ICT-driven examination systems, a functional library, secure hostels, and robust entrepreneurial training facilities.“The Polytechnic will continue to uphold academic excellence while providing a safe, innovative, and supportive learning environment for all students,” he said.
