Richard Elesho
The Management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has said the recent increase in school fees was introduced after due consultation with all relevant stakeholders of the institution.
Director, Public Relations and Protocol of the institution, Uredo Omale, in a statement, explained that this was disclosed on Monday, September 15, 2025, at an interactive session with representatives of Student Unions to address concerns over the upward review of fees as students returned to the campus for the First Semester 2025/2026 academic session.
The meeting also had in attendance representatives of key security agencies in the state, including the Nigeria Police Force (B Division), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Kogi State Vigilante Service.
The engagement was aimed at fostering dialogue and reinforcing mutual understanding on the subject for a smooth take – off of the first semester of the academic session. The meeting was specially called amid rumours of a purported planned protest by some individuals who are linking their planned action to the students of the Polytechnic.
“The Rector, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, stressed that the fee adjustment process was carried out procedurally and meticulously, and with critical stakeholders fully represented in the Committee that was set up by the management for the purpose.
“He added that the committee was chaired by the Deputy Rector, Dr. Samuel Taiwo Olowo, also include the Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, the executives of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), the Non-Indigenous Students’ Association, Alumni Association, Chaplain, Imam, Dean of Student Services, Director of Legal Services, the Chief Security Officer, among others.
“He noted that the Committee, after extensive consultations, made recommendations for an upward adjustment of school fees in line with prevailing economic realities.
“Prof Usman pointed out that the last time school fees were reviewed in the Polytechnic was in 2018 (7 years ago), which was when the pump price of petrol rose from N97 to N145 per litre and diesel from N120 to N200 per litre.
“Currently, he stressed, the pump price of petrol sells at N890 per litre while diesel costs N1,200 per litre. Similarly, the price of learning materials, particularly a ream of paper, which was sold at N500 in 2018, is now sold at N5,500.
“He added that it was the basis of these realities that the Committee recommended an upward review of the school at the Kwara State Polytechnic template.
“This choice, the Rector explained, was informed by historical ties, as Kogi State was carved out from both Kwara and Benue States, with Lokoja particularly under Kwara, making it logical to adopt the Kwara State Polytechnic template.
“The recommendations were subsequently processed and approved accordingly by the Kogi State House of Assembly with effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.
“He further explained that the approved fee template is to begin with the new students only, while the returning students will continue with the 2018 fee structure.
“He, therefore, emphasised that the increment is necessary to sustain quality education.
“Prof. Usman further highlighted the Polytechnic’s commitment to strengthening security, enhancing health services, and expanding extracurricular programs, stressing that sustainable funding is essential to maintaining a conducive learning environment.
“He reassured students of management’s commitment to their welfare, stating that “the last thing I will do is to inflict pain on students because I know my background.”
In a show of unity, all the students’ representatives at the meeting unanimously distanced themselves from the purported planned protest, affirming that their leadership had neither endorsed nor organised any such action.
Representatives of the security agencies commended the Rector for his proactive approach in convening the meeting, describing it as a timely intervention to promote peace on campus.
They pledged full support and assured that security personnel would be deployed as needed to maintain law and order while urging all parties to continue resolving grievances through constructive dialogue.
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