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Kogi Poly Suspends 7 Lecturers Over Sex-For-Marks, Handout Sales Amid Cultism Crisis

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3 months ago

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Kogi Poly Suspends 7 Lecturers Over Sex-For-Marks, Handout Sales Amid Cultism Crisis
Kogi State Polytechnic

Kogi Poly Suspends 7 Lecturers Over Sex-For-Marks, Handout Sales Amid Cultism Crisis

  • The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has suspended seven lecturers following separate allegations of sexual harassment and unauthorised sale of handouts, as investigations intensify into a wider campus crisis involving cultism, intimidation of female students, and weakening institutional discipline.

The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has taken decisive action against seven lecturers over allegations ranging from sexual harassment to the unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks, sources have confirmed. According to the institution’s Public Relations Officer, John Onimisi, six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, for allegedly engaging in the illegal sale of handouts to students, while a seventh lecturer was separately suspended over a specific allegation of sexual harassment. The suspensions, however, appear to be only the tip of the iceberg, as multiple sources within the polytechnic have raised alarm over a deepening crisis on campus, with claims that sex-for-marks practices, cult-related activities, and a general breakdown of discipline have surged under the current administration.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Mr. Onimisi confirmed that the disciplinary action was taken after the institution’s management received credible reports of misconduct involving academic staff. The statement read in part that six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by the management of the institution for the unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks, while a lecturer was also suspended for alleged sexual harassment. The affected lecturers are currently facing internal investigation, and the polytechnic has assured that appropriate sanctions will be imposed if they are found guilty by the institution’s disciplinary committee.

While the official statement focused on the suspensions, insiders have painted a troubling picture of systemic misconduct that has allegedly taken root at the polytechnic. These allegations suggest that the suspensions are merely a response to a much deeper and more pervasive problem affecting the institution’s academic and social environment. Sources familiar with developments at the institution alleged that some lecturers, particularly from the Department of Public Administration and Department of Graphics Design, have been demanding sexual favours or monetary payments from female students in exchange for passing grades. One particularly disturbing account claimed that a lecturer instructed a female student to book and pay for a hotel room as a precondition for passing his course. When the student reportedly reported the incident, she was met with intimidation rather than institutional support, sources said, adding that female students who speak up are often victimised and receive little or no protection from the school authorities.

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In addition to sexual misconduct, sources claimed that cult groups have resurfaced on campus, holding nocturnal meetings and reportedly conducting initiations near female hostels. These activities, sources said, have continued despite being reported to campus security personnel on multiple occasions, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the institution’s security apparatus and its commitment to student safety. A recurring complaint among sources is the perceived weakening of disciplinary measures since the resumption of the current Rector, Professor Salihu Sanusi Avidime. Allegations include lax enforcement of the institution’s dress code policy, which has allowed students to appear on campus in inappropriate attire without consequence, and a failure to enforce the mandatory use of student identity cards, permitting unauthorised persons to access campus facilities and potentially contributing to security breaches. Furthermore, there has been a return of compulsory handout sales, which had previously been banned under the institution’s earlier administration, forcing students to purchase materials they may not need or want. Overall, sources point to a general decline in staff accountability, emboldening both lecturers and students to engage in misconduct with impunity.

Responding to the growing allegations, Mr. Onimisi stated that the school management is fully aware of the claims and has already referred the matter to the institution’s disciplinary committee for thorough investigation. He assured that the school management is aware of the allegations, and the disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating them, adding that the outcome will be made available to journalists in due course. He further pledged that any staff or student found culpable would face the full weight of the institution’s disciplinary framework, sending a strong signal that misconduct will not be tolerated.

For students, parents, and education stakeholders, the unfolding scandal raises serious concerns about safety, academic integrity, and the overall learning environment at Kogi State Polytechnic. Female students are particularly vulnerable, with allegations of sexual coercion creating a hostile academic atmosphere where their educational pursuits are compromised by predatory behaviour from those entrusted to teach them. The resurgence of cultism threatens campus security and undermines the polytechnic’s ability to provide a safe space for learning, potentially discouraging enrollment and tarnishing the institution’s reputation. The weakening of discipline suggests a systemic failure that may require intervention beyond the institution’s internal mechanisms, possibly involving external regulatory bodies to restore order.

Stakeholders have called on the polytechnic management to expedite the disciplinary process and make findings public to restore confidence in the institution’s commitment to justice. They also urge the management to strengthen protection mechanisms for students who report misconduct, ensuring that whistleblowers are shielded from retaliation and intimidation. There are calls to reinforce campus security to curb cult-related activities and restore a sense of safety among students and staff. Additionally, stakeholders demand that the management reintroduce and strictly enforce dress codes, ID card policies, and bans on handout sales to re-establish a culture of discipline. Finally, there is a growing demand to engage external oversight bodies such as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to ensure accountability and provide independent monitoring of the institution’s reforms.

The disciplinary committee is expected to conclude its investigations in the coming weeks, and the polytechnic management has promised to communicate its findings to the public through the media, ensuring transparency in the process. In the meantime, students and staff await action that will determine whether Kogi State Polytechnic can restore its reputation as a credible institution of higher learning and whether meaningful reforms will be implemented to prevent a recurrence of these troubling incidents.

 

Kogi Poly Suspends 7 Lecturers Over Sex-For-Marks, Handout Sales Amid Cultism Crisis

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NELFUND Warns Schools: Student Loans Are Voluntary, Not Compulsory

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6 days ago

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October 21, 2026

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NELFUND Warns Schools: Student Loans Are Voluntary, Not Compulsory

NELFUND Warns Schools: Student Loans Are Voluntary, Not Compulsory

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has warned tertiary institutions against compelling students to apply for the Federal Government’s student loan scheme, insisting that accessing the facility is voluntary and not a condition for studying in Nigerian institutions.

The clarification followed controversy over a directive reportedly issued by the Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu, requiring all fresh and returning students to apply for and access the loan for the 2026/2027 academic session.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, NELFUND said students should determine whether to apply based on their individual financial circumstances and genuine need for assistance.

The statement was signed by the fund’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

NELFUND explained that the student loan scheme was established to remove financial barriers to higher education, promote equal access to learning opportunities and ensure that eligible Nigerians were not denied education because of financial difficulties.

It stressed that students who could independently afford their educational expenses were under no obligation to apply for or access the facility.

“The student loan scheme is a support mechanism, not an obligation,” the fund stated.

NELFUND added that making the loan compulsory for every student, regardless of their financial circumstances, would defeat the purpose of the programme.

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According to the agency, its objective is not to encourage indiscriminate borrowing but to ensure that eligible students who genuinely require financial assistance can access support to pursue their academic ambitions.

The clarification comes amid concerns over an internal memorandum reportedly issued by the management of the Enugu State College of Education (Technical).

The memorandum, dated October 6, 2026, and signed by the institution’s Acting Registrar, Patrick A. Aneke, reportedly directed all students in its Nigeria Certificate in Education and degree programmes to apply for the loan for the 2026/2027 academic session.

It also instructed deans, directors, heads of departments and student representatives to communicate the directive to students and asked them to visit the institution’s NELFUND desk officer for assistance with applications.

Reports surrounding the directive indicated that students who failed to comply could face restrictions on taking examinations or continuing their studies, raising concerns about the implications of compelling students to take loans.

NELFUND’s clarification reinforces the distinction between making financial assistance available to eligible students and requiring every student to borrow, irrespective of whether they need the support.

The fund further explained that although its loans are interest-free, beneficiaries are required to repay them in accordance with the provisions of the Student Loans Act.

It therefore urged prospective applicants to understand the scheme’s terms and conditions and make informed decisions before applying.

NELFUND also called on tertiary institutions, student leaders and other stakeholders to provide accurate information about the programme and guide students who require financial assistance through the application process.

The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent eligible Nigerians from pursuing higher education.

The development has renewed attention on the implementation of the Federal Government’s student loan programme and the need for institutions to ensure that students understand both the benefits and repayment obligations associated with the facility.

NELFUND maintained that the scheme should remain an avenue for financial support for students who need it, rather than a compulsory borrowing arrangement imposed on the entire student population.

NELFUND Warns Schools: Student Loans Are Voluntary, Not Compulsory

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Tinubu Scraps Recruitment Waiver Requirement for Federal Universities

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1 week ago

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October 18, 2026

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Tinubu Scraps Recruitment Waiver Requirement for Federal Universities
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu Scraps Recruitment Waiver Requirement for Federal Universities

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has exempted federal universities from the requirement to obtain recruitment waivers from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) before employing new staff, in a move aimed at strengthening institutional autonomy and easing recruitment bottlenecks in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

Tinubu announced the policy change on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare (FUHSA), in Bauchi State. He was represented at the event by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono.

The President, who serves as Visitor to all federal universities, said the reform was reflected in recent agreements signed between the Federal Government and university staff unions.

According to him, the decision would empower the Federal Ministry of Education and university governing councils to take responsibility for recruitment decisions and respond more effectively to their institutions’ staffing needs.

“This measure empowers the Federal Ministry of Education and university Governing Councils to discharge their respective responsibilities in staff recruitment, enabling institutions to respond more effectively to their legitimate manpower needs,” Tinubu said.

The removal of the waiver requirement is expected to reduce administrative delays that can hinder universities from filling vacant positions, replacing retiring employees and recruiting additional academic and non-academic personnel.

Under the previous arrangement, federal institutions could be required to obtain clearance from the OHCSF before recruiting new employees. Removing this requirement for federal universities is intended to give university authorities greater flexibility in addressing staffing shortages and managing their operations.

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However, the reform does not mean that universities are exempt from all public-sector recruitment rules or that appointments can be made without appropriate institutional procedures.

Tinubu said the policy formed part of his administration’s broader efforts to strengthen university autonomy, improve personnel management and create a more conducive environment for teaching, research, innovation and service delivery.

The President also disclosed that the Federal Government was working to improve personnel and payroll administration across tertiary institutions by migrating their staff from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

He said the transition was intended to improve payroll efficiency, strengthen transparency and accountability, ensure timely and accurate salary payments, and accommodate the operational peculiarities of universities and other tertiary institutions.

The proposed changes come amid longstanding discussions about the autonomy of Nigerian universities, including their ability to manage staffing, finances and other internal administrative responsibilities.

For universities struggling with shortages of lecturers, researchers, laboratory personnel and other essential workers, the removal of the recruitment waiver requirement could make it easier to respond to vacancies, subject to available funding and applicable recruitment procedures.

Beyond recruitment and payroll reforms, Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in tertiary education infrastructure, research and staff welfare.

He disclosed that FUHSA had received an initial ₦8 billion intervention through TETFund to support its establishment. He said the investment followed lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s healthcare system and highlighted the need to strengthen medical education and research capacity.

According to the President, further support would be channelled to the university through TETFund’s regular and special interventions, alongside allocations in the 2026 national budget for roads, lecture halls, laboratories and utility vehicles.

Tinubu also announced that ₦10 billion had been provided for the National Research Fund in 2026, urging universities, particularly specialised institutions such as FUHSA, to pursue research that addresses Nigeria’s pressing healthcare challenges.

On staff welfare, he said the Federal Government had signed agreements with academic and non-academic unions covering the payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA), effective January 1, 2026.

He said the agreements recognised the distinct but complementary contributions of teaching and non-teaching personnel to the effective running of tertiary institutions.

Tinubu further disclosed that 1,798 FUHSA students, representing 43 per cent of the institution’s student population, had secured support from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The President congratulated the university’s 50 pioneer graduates and urged them to apply their knowledge and professional skills to improving healthcare delivery, particularly for vulnerable Nigerians.

He also encouraged FUHSA to strengthen partnerships with international institutions, including the University of Miami, Boston University and Universiti Sains Malaysia, while ensuring that such collaborations translate into measurable improvements in teaching, research and healthcare services.

The recruitment reform is expected to attract attention from university administrators, lecturers, non-academic staff and prospective employees as institutions assess how the new arrangement will affect recruitment timelines and staffing priorities.

Its impact will ultimately depend on how effectively university governing councils and the Federal Ministry of Education implement the policy, alongside adequate funding, transparent recruitment processes and effective oversight.

 

Tinubu Scraps Recruitment Waiver Requirement for Federal Universities

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JAMB Reopens NIN Alignment Window, Gives Candidates One More Chance to Correct Data

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2 weeks ago

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October 16, 2026

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JAMB Reopens NIN Alignment Window, Gives Candidates One More Chance to Correct Data
JAMB Reopens NIN Alignment Window, Gives Candidates One More Chance to Correct Data

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reopened its National Identification Number (NIN) alignment service, giving eligible candidates another opportunity to correct discrepancies between their examination records and information held by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The examination body announced the development on Friday, October 16, 2026, through its official social media account, urging candidates with mismatched personal details to take advantage of the reopening and ensure their records are consistent.

However, JAMB warned that the opportunity is a one-time exercise and that submitting an application does not guarantee approval. All requests will be subjected to verification before a decision is made.

The board advised candidates to correct any errors in their NIN records through NIMC before applying to align their details with their JAMB profiles.

Applicants were also urged to review their information carefully and select every correction they require in a single submission to avoid mistakes that could affect the outcome of their applications.

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The discrepancies may involve names, dates of birth and other personal information, depending on the fields approved for correction under the service.

JAMB explained that the application procedure, eligible fields, verification requirements and other important details had been outlined in an accompanying episode of its JAMB Explained video series.

Candidates were advised to watch the official guide and follow the prescribed steps before submitting their applications. The board also cautioned against rushing the process or providing incomplete information.

To avoid complications, candidates should first ensure that any approved changes to their NIN records have been fully reflected in the NIMC database before beginning the alignment process with JAMB.

Those who need to update their NIN information can use the NIMC self-service modification portal at https://selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng or visit an authorised NIMC centre, subject to the applicable requirements.

After correcting their NIN details, candidates should follow the application channel and instructions specified in JAMB’s official announcement and accompanying video. They should rely on the board’s official website, https://www.jamb.gov.ng, and its e-Facility portal, https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng, for verified guidance.

The reopening is intended to improve the accuracy and consistency of personal records used in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process, where discrepancies between examination and national identity records can create verification difficulties.

JAMB urged candidates to act carefully, ensure that their information is accurate and wait for official confirmation rather than assume that their applications have been approved.

 

JAMB Reopens NIN Alignment Window, Gives Candidates One More Chance to Correct Data

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