Kogi State Polytechnic on Saturday conferred Fellowship Awards on Gov. Ahmed Ododo, late Prince Abubakar Audu (post-humous) and four others for their contributions to the development of the institution and society.
The other recipients are the Maigari of Lokoja,Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Markarfi IV, late Prof. Mathew Idowu, Kogi State Accountant-General, Dr. Habibat Oyiza-Tijjani, and Prof. Stephen Ikani Ocheni.
Speaking at the 5th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the institution in Lokoja, the outgoing Rector, Prof. Salisu Usman, described the awardees as distinguished personalities who had contributed significantly to the growth of the polytechnic.
Usman thanked Ododo for his support, which he said had contributed to the institution’s transformation within the last two years.
He, however, said despite the infrastructural development recorded, the polytechnic still required additional hostels, sporting and recreational facilities, as well as improved internal road networks.
“We appeal to Your Excellency to consider these needs and assist the institution,” he said.
The Rector said 2,965 students graduated at the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels, comprising 1,711 ND and 1,254 HND graduates.
He said 79 students graduated with distinction across various schools and departments.
In his remarks, Ododo commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its interventions, which he said had enhanced infrastructure development, research and learning facilities at the polytechnic.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Mr Joel Salihu, said his administration would ensure prudent utilisation, proper maintenance and sustainability of all TETFund-supported projects across tertiary institutions in the state.
“It is encouraging to note that all academic programmes of the polytechnic have full accreditation and that the institution has introduced 19 new core academic programmes to address emerging societal and manpower needs,” he said.
Ododo also commended Usman for completing abandoned projects, particularly the 1,000-seat lecture theatre, which he said had remained uncompleted for over 16 years.
According to him, the completion of the project reflects effective planning, prudent resource management and the administration’s commitment to continuity and accountability.
The governor said the achievements informed his decision to appoint Usman as Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
