Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lokoja, Nigeria — In a move that highlights its commitment to upholding ethical standards and professional integrity, Kogi State Polytechnic has dismissed a lecturer accused of sexual misconduct involving a student, alongside other disciplinary actions while approving significant promotions for staff across the institution.
At a meeting of the institution’s Governing Council, held on 19 December 2025 under the chairmanship of Barrister Sani Shaibu, the council deliberated on disciplinary issues, academic excellence and human resource matters, culminating in decisions that reflect both accountability and organisational development. These outcomes were disclosed in a statement issued by the polytechnic’s Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Mrs. Uredo Omale.
The centrepiece of the disciplinary actions was the termination of the appointment of Mr. Mukhtar Muhammed, a lecturer who was found to have engaged in sexual misconduct with a student — a serious breach of professional and institutional ethics. The council’s decision to dismiss him was explicit, signalling clear intolerance for abuse of power or any conduct that compromises the safety and dignity of students.
In addition to the sack of Mr. Muhammed, the council also approved the dismissal of Mrs. Funmilayo Afolabi, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, for unexplained and prolonged absence from duty spanning nine months. The Governing Council further sanctioned the demotion of Mr. Audu Mathew, Deputy Registrar, to the rank of Principal Assistant Registrar for negligence of duty, underscoring that accountability extends beyond academic staff to administrative personnel.
These disciplinary decisions coincide with major promotional exercises that will see a substantial number of staff elevated to higher ranks in recognition of meritorious service, academic achievements and professional growth. Among the most notable promotions, 11 Principal Lecturers were raised to the prestigious rank of Chief Lecturer across various schools, including Applied Sciences, Engineering Technology, Management Studies, and General and Communication Studies.
The council also endorsed the promotion of 49 academic staff and 71 non-teaching staff in the 2024 promotion cycle, as well as 225 academic staff and 227 non-teaching staff for the 2025 exercise. These decisions reflect the institution’s focus on fostering career advancement and enhancing staff morale, with the promotions granted following recommendations by the Appointments, Promotions and Disciplinary Committee (AP&DC).
The disciplinary action against Mr. Muhammed has drawn attention from both educational stakeholders and the broader community, coming at a time when tertiary institutions across Nigeria are intensifying efforts to address sexual harassment and misconduct. Such incidents have been a long-standing concern, with previous cases prompting calls for stronger institutional policies, transparent reporting mechanisms and protective systems for students.
Sexual misconduct in academic settings undermines not only the trust students place in their educators but also the mission of universities and polytechnics to nurture safe, equitable and conducive environments for learning. By taking decisive action, Kogi State Polytechnic’s leadership underscores the importance of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, and reinforces the notion that professional conduct is non-negotiable within educational frameworks.
The council’s decisions come against a backdrop of wider reform efforts at the polytechnic, where management has been outspoken about promoting integrity, academic excellence and behavioural standards. Over recent years, the institution’s administration has undertaken various initiatives aimed at strengthening discipline among students and staff alike, including cracking down on examination malpractice, cultism, and other forms of misconduct that impede academic success and institutional reputation.
During the announcement, Mrs. Omale emphasised that the actions taken by the council are intended to preserve the institution’s values and restore confidence among students, parents, and the public. She noted that while the dismissal of any staff member is regrettable, it is imperative that the polytechnic maintains a safe and respectful environment where learning and professional duties are conducted with dignity and mutual respect.
The promotions, meanwhile, were welcomed by the academic community as a recognition of sustained dedication and performance. Staff members who earned advancement expressed appreciation for the institutional support that has facilitated their professional trajectories, stressing that morale and productivity are bolstered when achievements are acknowledged and rewarded.
Local education advocates congratulated the institution’s leadership for the balanced approach — combining discipline with recognition — arguing that it sets a valuable precedent for other academic institutions facing similar challenges. They noted that robust internal governance structures are essential for tackling systemic issues, enhancing accountability, and ensuring that the rights and welfare of students and staff are upheld.
The polytechnic, recognised as one of the key tertiary institutions in Kogi State, serves thousands of students across numerous academic programmes. Its actions are closely watched by parents, alumni, and education sector observers, all of whom have vested interests in the quality of academic leadership and the integrity of institutional operations.
While the dismissal of a staff member for sexual misconduct may prompt difficult conversations within the campus community, it also presents an opportunity for renewed focus on preventive measures, robust student support services and comprehensive enforcement of codes of conduct. Advocates contend that institutions must continue fortifying channels through which students can safely report concerns, pursue grievances, and seek redress without fear of retaliation.
Kogi State Polytechnic’s recent council decisions therefore encapsulate a critical moment in the institution’s ongoing development — one that balances disciplinary resolve with recognition of excellence, and underscores a commitment to upholding ethical standards in Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.
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