Anxiety has gripped Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, following allegations of renewed sex-for-marks, cult activities and other forms of misconduct, months after a new rector assumed office.
The development comes as the institution confirmed the suspension of seven lecturers over alleged violations of its rules.
Female students, who spoke separately with journalists in Lokoja on Sunday, alleged that disciplinary structures established under the former Rector, Prof. Salisu Usman, had weakened, allowing some previously suppressed vices to resurface.
The students requested anonymity, citing fears of victimisation or possible disciplinary action by the institution.
According to them, some lecturers now allegedly demand sexual favours or money from female students in exchange for grades or protection from academic failure.
Two lecturers from the Departments of Public Administration and Graphic Design were allegedly mentioned in connection with demands for between N70,000 and N80,000.
The lecturers were also accused of allegedly 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,” one of the students alleged.
The student further alleged that a lecturer once instructed a female student to book a hotel room and pay the bills before a planned meeting.
She reportedly complained to a management staff member but alleged that, rather than receiving protection or seeing disciplinary action initiated, she was intimidated.
“The disciplinary structure has collapsed. Corrupt lecturers are getting emboldened while female students are suffering in silence for fear of rustication,” the student alleged.
Another student claimed that nocturnal cult meetings had resurfaced on campus, citing an incident reportedly observed near one of the female hostels about two weeks ago.
According to her, the incident occurred between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. and was reportedly brought to the attention of management by security personnel.
She, however, alleged that no action had been taken against those reportedly involved.
The students also raised concerns over the alleged abandonment of dress codes and compulsory identity cards, as well as the reported return of banned handout sales.
They further complained about an alleged increase of more than 200 per cent in school fees, saying the development had worsened financial pressures on students.
One of the sources appealed to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, to intervene, alleging that “impunity, truancy and indolence have taken over the legacies left behind by the former rector.”
However, the Polytechnic said it had commenced disciplinary measures against lecturers accused of violating institutional rules.
The institution’s Public Relations Officer, John Onimisi, confirmed that six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday over alleged unauthorised sales of handouts and textbooks within the Polytechnic.
Onimisi also confirmed the suspension of another lecturer over an allegation of sexual harassment.
“The disciplinary committee of Kogi Polytechnic is already investigating the allegations, and the outcome will be made available to journalists,” he said.
The PRO, however, did not specifically address the allegations concerning the reported resurgence of cult-related activities on campus.
The allegations have heightened calls by students and parents for stronger oversight, transparent investigations and decisive action to protect students.
They also urged the institution to strengthen its disciplinary mechanisms and restore confidence in the Polytechnic’s ability to provide a safe and conducive academic environment.
