KOGI POLY COMMENCES SALES OF FORM TO CONVERT HND TO DEGREE CERTIFICATES THROUGH FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LOKOJA

Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja have begin sales of forms to admit candidates interested in converting their Higher National Diploma, HND certificate to Degree status. 

This was part of the institution's recent collaboration with Federal University Lokoja (FUL).

The partnership allows HND holders to convert their certificates to BA/BSc/BLIS degrees.

Eighteen programmes are offered in affiliation with FUL for degree conversion.

Programmes include English, History, Library Science, Mass Comm, and various sciences and business fields.

Benefits include enhanced qualifications and boosted career prospects with a FUL degree.

With the commencement of sales of admission forms this week, interested candidates can now take advantage of this innovative collaboration.

Contact 08057211707 for further inquiries about this opportunity.

Don't miss this opportunity to upgrade your HND to a BA/BSc/BLIS degree through KSP and FUL.

KOGI POLY SIGNS HISTORIC MOU WITH FUL TO ADVANCE TERTIARY EDUCATION

 

Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), to commence degree programmes in the institution.

In the landmark agreement signed on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Senate Building of the University, a Study Centre will be established at the Polytechnic Main Campus, Lokoja, for the running of regular undergraduate degree and Top-Up programmes.

The regular degree programmes provide opportunities for interested applicants to apply for available courses through UTME and Direct Entry modes.

The Top-Up mode of the agreement will facilitate the conversion of Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates into corresponding and available undergraduate degrees programmes. 

The Top-Up programmes will be offered on both Part Time and Full Time basis.

The MoU also covers staff and student exchange programmes, equipment sharing for practicals to strengthen joint research and collaborative learning initiatives.

The elated Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the MoU as historic in all ramifications, stressing that it will be remembered as one of the legacy achievements of his administration, and one of the legacies bequeathed to the state by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi. 

According to the Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic is well equipped with quality manpower, robust infrastructure and a secure learning environment to support the collaboration. 

He reiterated that all programmes offered at the Polytechnic are fully accredited, including those he inherited that were not previously accredited. 

Prof. Usman assured that the Polytechnic’s accredited academic programmes would enrich the partnership, pledging total compliance with the terms of the agreement.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, hailed the signing as a dream come true, attributing its success to the quality of leadership and cordial relationship between the two institutions. 

The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the collaboration would significantly advance education in Kogi State and Nigeria at large, urging that implementation should commence without delay. 

He also applauded the Polytechnic for aligning with efforts to make tertiary education more accessible.

In his remarks, the Director of the Centre for Distance and E-Learning of the University, Professor Musa Adeku Ibrahim, recalled that plans for the Study Centre began with a letter of intent from Kogi State Polytechnic on 12th February 2025, which was later approved by the University Senate on 7th August 2025, following an oversight visit for verification.

He noted that the MoU would remain one of the notable achievements under Professor Akinwunmi’s administration.

In his closing remarks, the University's Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor A. E. Bala, expressed his appreciation to the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic for clarifying potential grey areas and assured that the university would uphold the MoU as agreed.

Signing of the MoU was witnessed by Principal Officers and Management staff of both Institutions. 

Uredo Omale 

Director, Public Relations and Protocol, 

Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.

Climate Change: CSDevNet inaugurates 'Green Growth' initiatives in Kogi State

 

The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) Nigeria, has inaugurated 'Green Growth' initiative to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change in Kogi.

The initiative was inaugurated at a one-day workshop at Federal University Lokoja (FUL) by CSDevNet Nigeria, in partnership with Green-for-Life Initiative.

The theme is "Building the Capacity of Women and Youth on Environmental Rights Accountability, and Policy Development for Green Growth in Kogi State", aimed at promoting tree planting.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, FUL, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, who inaugurated the initiative, commended CSDevNet, Green-for-Life Initiative and other sponsors for selecting FUL for the event.

Akinwumi stressed the need for everyone to embrace the culture of tree planting, nurturing, and support the green growth Initiative to mitigating the devastating effects of climate change.

The VC emphasised that the plants would not only beautify the surroundings but also play a vital roles in controlling erosion, maintaining healthy environment and providing shade for relaxation.

"Today's capacity building workshop aims to empower women and youths with knowledge that can lead to economic empowerment.

"When economic development secured our livelihoods, it allows us to focus on culture, recreation and research. 

"By enhancing our understanding of biodiversity, the economic benefits of green growth, and early warning systems for flood prevention, we can transform our values and beliefs.

"Let us contribute by donating a plant or helping nurture and maintain the greenery in our vicinity," Akinwumi said.

He, therefore urged the participants to rise as ambassadors of the green growth initiative as environmental stewards dedicated to preserving the world for future generations.

The VC assured the donor partners that the green growth Initiatives would be diligently maintained by the university community.

Earlier, the National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, Mr Stephen Abu, said the green growth was a step towards reviving the culture of tree planting and tree growing in Kogi.

Abu noted that the CSDevNet) Nigeria, is a network of over 300 organisations across Nigeria promoting climate-friendly and equitable sustainable development.

"Kogi State faces significant annual flooding, causing fatalities, destruction of livelihoods, and damage to infrastructure. 

"Lokoja, at the confluence of the Benue and Niger rivers, is particularly affected during the rainy season. 

"Additionally, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, especially coal, has caused severe environmental damage and health risks due to illegal mining.

"To address these challenges, CSDevNet and her partner, Green for Life Initiative, is organising a one-day multi-stakeholder capacity-building workshop for women and youth on environmental rights, accountability, and policy development for green growth in Kogi State. 

"The workshop aims to enhance community resilience through capacity building, early warning systems and promote environmental conservation through tree planting.

"It will also address environmental challenges by developing policies that integrate green growth principles into the national and sub-national policy frameworks," Abu said.

He stressed that the workshop would enhance understanding and advocacy skills regarding environmental rights, educate communities on early warning systems for better disaster preparedness and response.

Also speaking, the Founder of Green-for-Life Initiative, Prof. Duda Tanko, decried the high rate of desertification in Nigeria due to the devastating effects of climate change.

Tanko, who is a Professor of Wildlife Conservation and Ecology, attributed the massive migration of herders from Northern to Southern part of Nigeria, to desertification issue occasioned by climate change.

The don stressed the need for people to support the green growth initiative to mitigate against the negative effects of climate change to reduce farmers/herders crises.

The highlight of the occasion was the symbolic planting of trees by the VC and other stakeholders in some strategic areas within the university campus. 

By Stephen Adeleye

University Don tasks FG on massive investment in Science, Technology to reduce poverty

 

A Virologist, Prof Oyewale Tomori, has urged Federal Government to invest massively in science and technology to solve societal issues, improve the quality of life and reduce poverty in the country.

Tomori made the call while speaking at the 8th Distinguished Public Lecture of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) on Thursday.

Speaking on the theme, "the Conflicting Confluence of Science and Society", the Don said science solve societal issues improve quality of life, and answers questions that relate to mysteries of the universe.

The erudite professor stressed that investment in science and technology would contribute to knowledge production, driving innovation and help the country to compete in the global economy, and contribute to the functioning of democracies. 

He, therefore urged the federal government to stop paying lip service to the issue of science and technology and deplore sufficient resources to provide appropriate technology that would reduce poverty in the country.

The scholar also urged Nigeria's tertiary institutions to make their various research works into workable documents for government to use as road map to enhance the development of the country.

Tomori said the success of some research works were being hampered by poor mentorship, studies not focused on solving national problems, and insufficient adherence to merit in assessment of research proposals.

He added that poor management and misuse of research funds, apathy and failure to make returns on received grants also affect accessing funds.

Tomori noted that the underdevelopment of Nigeria was partly contributed by its Scientists who failed to proffer durable solutions to end the socio- economic problems confronting the nation.

He expressed sadness that 64 years after political independence, Nigeria was still crawling economically and had to often times go to borrow from western countries inorder to service its yearly budgets.

He said Nigeria remains underdeveloped because it was either the Scientists in the country were yet to find right answers to the national problems or they failed to comvince the policy makers, politicians that the quandruplets of science, research, innovations and development are inseparable.

Tomori, who was the former Vice Chancellor of Redeemers' University, restated that the only way out of underdevelopment was through science and technology.

He stressed that the advanced countries who invested heavily on science reap the gains of developments, prosperity and food sufficiency while countries who refused to invest in science are reaping poverty, squalor and diseases.

"No nation, except Nigeria which has attempted to sidetrack developing science and technology and tailoring it to her needs. 

"Nigeria has taken a shortcut by importing other peoples finished technology, and calling it transfer of technology. 

"Nigeria imports complete knocked down parts of vehicles, and appoints a Nigerian Executive Managing Director to oversee the screwing together of these parts,"'Tomori said.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, said the lecture fundamentally aimed to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and rigorous academic discourse. .

"By inviting eminent scholars and thought leaders to share their insights on pressing issues, we strive to bridge the gap between academia and society. 

"These lectures are not merely academic exercises; they are opportunities for us to engage with new ideas, challenge our thinking, and inspire innovation and progress within our community.

"We believe that we have a vital role to play in addressing societal challenges. These lectures provide an opportunity to engage with pressing issues, sparking conversations that can lead to meaningful change" Akinwumi said.

End

Fulfill your promise to remove us from IPPIS, pay our Arrears - ASUU tells FG

 

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has urged the Federal Government to fulfill its promise to remove its members from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

The Chairman of ASUU, Federal University Lokoja (FUL) chapter, Dr Joshua Silas, made the call on Tuesday during a protest by members of the union at FUL campus in Felele, Lokoja.

Addressing newsmen after the protest, the chairman urged the federal government to implement the re-negoation of 2009 agreements reached with the national ASUU to prevent resumption of the suspended industrial action.

"We are carrying out these protests nationwide as directed by the national body of ASUU in solidarity to urge the federal government to promptly meet our demands. 

"The government has failed to meet with our demands regarding the 2009 re-negotiation agreements with the national body of ASUU as promised.

"A lot has been done and government promised to meet our needs but since 2009 to 2024 till now, nothing has been done because government has failed to honour the agreements.

"We suspended the last strike in October 2022 with the hope that government would resolve all the outstanding issues, but till today June 25, 2024, nothing has been done.

"The protest is to call the attention of the general public to be aware and bear us witness that ASUU has been patient enough with the government.

"Enough is enough; this is totally unacceptable because many of our members have died due to the present economic hardships.

"We urge the government to do the needful because ASUU should not be blamed for any industrial action anytime from now," Silas said.

According to him, the agreements include the removal of ASUU from IPPIS, outstanding academic allowances, revitalization fund, payment of promotion arrears balance as well as withheld salaries, among others.

Silas noted that the federal government had paid four months out of about eight months outstanding salaries remaining three and half months.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest was carried out by the union members within all the faculties of institutions and terminated at the university gate with chanting of solidarity songs.

They carried placards with various inscriptions such as: "remove ASUU from IPPIS, "release our withheld salaries", implement ASUU)FG agreements", we are not casual workers", among others. 

By Stephen Adeleye

Prof. Akinwunmi commences second year as FUL VC in grand style, receives two vehicles, fire fighting machine

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi has received two 18 seater buses and a fire tender as his second year commenced in a grand style.

The vehicles are to management in the movement of staff, students and to fight fire emergencies.

The two 18 seater buses and a fire fighter machine was donated by a public spirited individual.

Prof. Akinwunmi used the occasion to call on other public spirited individuals within and outside the state to assist in the development of the FUL, disclosing that the Federal Government cannot do it alone.

He described the funding of Education as a collective responsibility, said the Institution would from next week start visiting some indigenes of the State for assistance.

While pointing out that the task of making the FUL a world class institution requires the collaborative efforts of all, thanked the donor for the gesture.

In her remarks, the Registrar of the University, Mrs Rebecca Aimiohu Okojie, commended the leadership of Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi, described the buses and fire fighting machine as sign of greater things to come through partnership.

The Registrar explained that the success and failure of any organization rest on the leadership, described Prof. Akinwunmi's efforts thus far as commendable.

Earlier in an opening remarks, Mallam Umar Ibrahim, Transport Officer, FUL, said the donation of the buses and fire fighting machine was the  first of its kind since the establishment of the Transport Unit in October 2011.

He attributed the success to the leadership of Prof. Akinwunmi, pointing out that it will help ease the movement of staff and students.

Highlights of the ceremony was the official cutting of tape and test running of the vehicles by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi.