Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has suspended seven lecturers following a cascade of serious allegations, including the unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks, sexual harassment, and the resurgence of cult-related activities on campus. The suspensions, which took effect on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, were announced in a statement on Sunday by the institution's Public Relations Officer, John Onimisi. According to the statement, six lecturers were suspended specifically for the illegal sale of handouts and textbooks, while a seventh lecturer faces allegations of sexual harassment, as the institution intensifies its investigation into claims of sex-for-marks and other acts of misconduct within the academic community.
The suspensions come amid growing public outcry and reports of a deteriorating academic environment. Sources within the polytechnic, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that disciplinary standards, which had been strengthened under the previous administration, had significantly weakened, emboldening erring staff and students alike. Students reported that some lecturers had revived the practice of demanding sexual favours or financial inducements from female students in exchange for passing grades. In particular, allegations surfaced that lecturers from the Departments of Public Administration and Graphic Design had demanded between N70,000 and N80,000 from students, threatening to fail those who did not comply. One student claimed a lecturer instructed a female student to book a hotel room for a meeting, an allegation she reported to management only to face intimidation rather than support.
Beyond the allegations of sexual extortion, the institution is also grappling with accusations of a resurgence of cultism. Students alleged that nocturnal cult meetings had resumed on campus, with one incident reportedly observed near a female hostel in the early hours of the morning, but no action was taken despite the matter being brought to management's attention. There were also complaints about the reintroduction of compulsory handout sales, a practice previously banned by the management, as well as the relaxation of the institution's dress code and the weak enforcement of student identity card regulations, which students say have contributed to a general decline in discipline. One student lamented that "impunity, truancy and indolence have taken over the legacies left behind by the former rector."
Reacting to the allegations, the institution's Public Relations Officer, John Onimisi, confirmed that the management was aware of the complaints and had already referred the matter to the polytechnic's disciplinary committee for a thorough investigation. "The school management is aware of the allegations, and the disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating them. The outcome will be made available to journalists in due course," he said. He assured that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation. The suspensions follow the emergence of fresh reports of misconduct months after a new rector assumed office, raising concerns about the sustainability of reforms introduced by the previous administration. Students have appealed to Governor Usman Ododo to intervene, warning that without decisive action, the institution risks sliding further into a state of academic and moral decay. As the disciplinary committee continues its work, the affected lecturers remain suspended, and the polytechnic community awaits the outcome of the investigation, which will determine whether the allegations of sexual exploitation, cultism, and academic fraud will lead to permanent dismissal or further sanctions.
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