Anxiety has gripped Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, following allegations of renewed sexual harassment, cult activities and other forms of misconduct, months after a new rector assumed office.
Female students alleged that disciplinary structures established under former Rector, Prof. Salisu Usman, had weakened, allowing previously suppressed social vices to resurface.
The students, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation or disciplinary action, alleged that some lecturers demand sexual favours or money from female students in exchange for grades or protection from academic failure.
According to the students, two lecturers from the Public Administration and Graphics Design departments were implicated in separate cases involving demands for between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000.
The lecturers were also accused of threatening female students with failure unless they “cooperate” or make the requested payments.
“Sadly, these things were tamed under the former management, but with the current ‘I-don’t-care’ attitude, the old traits are coming back,” a student said.
Another student alleged that one lecturer instructed a female student to book a hotel room and pay the bills before a planned meeting.
The student reportedly lodged a complaint with a management staff member but alleged that she was intimidated instead of being protected or seeing disciplinary action initiated.
“The disciplinary structure has collapsed. Corrupt lecturers are getting emboldened while female students are suffering in silence for fear of rustication,” the student said.
Another student also alleged that nocturnal cult meetings had resurfaced, citing an incident reportedly observed near a female hostel about two weeks ago.
According to her, the incident occurred between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. and was reported to the institution’s management by security personnel.
However, she alleged that no action had been taken against those reportedly involved.
The students further expressed concerns over the alleged abandonment of dress code enforcement and compulsory identity cards, as well as the reported return of banned handout sales.
They also decried a reported increase of more than 200 per cent in school fees, saying the development had worsened the financial burden on students.
One of the students appealed to Gov. Usman Ododo to intervene, warning that “impunity, truancy and indolence have taken over the legacies left behind by the former rector”.
Responding to the allegations, the Polytechnic said it had already commenced disciplinary action against lecturers accused of violating institutional regulations.
The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr John Onimisi, confirmed that six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday over the alleged unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks within the institution.
He added that another lecturer had been suspended over an allegation of sexual harassment.
“The disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating the allegations and the outcome will be made available to journalists,” he said.
However, Onimisi did not specifically address the allegations of a resurgence of cult-related activities on campus.
The allegations have intensified calls by students and parents for stronger oversight, transparent investigations and decisive action to safeguard students.
They also urged the institution to strengthen its disciplinary mechanisms and restore confidence in its ability to provide a safe academic environment.
