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