By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has put measures in place to avert a rumoured protest over the recent upward review of school fees.
The Rector, Professor Usman Ogbo, disclosed this during a meeting at the Council Chamber of the Polytechnic’s main campus with representatives of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, DSS, and the Kogi State Vigilante Service. The meeting, he said, was convened to foster dialogue and strengthen understanding for a smooth start to the new academic session.
Prof. Usman explained that the last review of school fees was in 2018, when petrol sold at N145 per litre, diesel at N200, and a ream of paper at N500. Presently, petrol sells at N890 per litre, diesel at N1,200, while a ream of paper goes for N5,500. These realities, he noted, informed the decision to adjust fees using the Kwara State Polytechnic template.
He stressed that the review process was procedural and inclusive, with a committee chaired by Deputy Rector Dr. Samuel Taiwo Olowo. The committee comprised principal officers, deans, directors, executives of the Students’ Union Government, NAKOSS, the Non-Indigenous Students’ Association, alumni representatives, religious leaders, and security officials. After extensive consultations, the committee recommended adjustments in line with prevailing economic conditions.
According to the Rector, the choice of the Kwara State Polytechnic template was influenced by historical ties, as Kogi State was carved out of Kwara and Benue States, with Lokoja formerly under Kwara. The recommendations, he added, were subsequently approved by the Kogi State House of Assembly, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session.
Prof. Usman dismissed claims that some individuals outside the institution were instigating unrest by linking students to a planned protest, assuring that management would continue to engage stakeholders to sustain peace on campus.
Representatives of the security agencies and student unions commended the Rector for his proactive approach, describing the engagement as timely and necessary.
