Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has suspended seven lecturers over alleged misconduct amid fresh allegations of sexual harassment, cult activities and other disciplinary concerns raised by students.
The allegations have stirred anxiety within the institution, coming months after the appointment of a new rector.
Some female students, who spoke separately on condition of anonymity, alleged that disciplinary measures put in place under the immediate past Rector, Prof. Salisu Usman, had weakened, allowing practices such as sex-for-marks and other misconduct to resurface.
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They claimed that some lecturers demand sexual favours or money from female students in exchange for grades or protection from academic failure.
According to the students, two lecturers from the Public Administration and Graphics Design departments allegedly demanded between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 from female students and threatened to fail those who refused to comply.
One student alleged that a lecturer instructed a female student to book and pay for a hotel room before a scheduled meeting.
The student claimed that after reporting the incident to a management official, she faced intimidation instead of receiving protection or seeing disciplinary action initiated.
“The disciplinary structure has collapsed. Corrupt lecturers are getting emboldened while female students are suffering in silence for fear of rustication,” one of the students told NAN.
Another student also claimed that cult-related activities had resurfaced on campus, alleging that suspected cult members held a meeting near a female hostel between 2am and 3am about two weeks ago.
According to her, security personnel reported the incident to the management, but no action had been taken against those allegedly involved.
The students further complained about the alleged abandonment of the institution’s dress code and compulsory identity card policy, as well as the reported return of banned handout sales.
They also expressed concerns over a reported increase of more than 200 per cent in school fees, saying it had worsened the financial burden on students.
The students appealed to Governor Usman Ododo to intervene, alleging that discipline and academic standards in the institution had deteriorated.
Responding to the allegations, the Polytechnic said disciplinary action had already commenced against lecturers found to have violated institutional regulations.
The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. John Onimisi, confirmed that six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday over the alleged unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks.
He also disclosed that another lecturer had been suspended over an allegation of sexual harassment.
“The disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating the allegations and the outcome will be made available to journalists,” Onimisi said.
However, he did not comment on the allegations of renewed cult activities on campus.
The development has prompted renewed calls by students and parents for transparent investigations, stronger disciplinary measures and sustained efforts to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.