Kogi State Polytechnic Takes Disciplinary Action Against Students for Examination Malpractice and Poor Academic Performance
The Academic Board of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has taken decisive action against students involved in examination malpractice and those exhibiting unsatisfactory academic performance during the first semester of the 2024/2025 academic session. The board’s 120th meeting, held on April 17, 2025, resulted in the expulsion of six students for examination misconduct and the withdrawal of 273 students due to poor academic performance. These measures reflect the institution’s commitment to upholding academic integrity and ensuring a conducive learning environment.
The expulsion of six students stems from their involvement in various examination offenses. Two students, Daniel Onuche Gabriel from the Department of Business Administration and Yaro Abdullahi Nma from the Department of Accountancy, faced expulsion for impersonation, a serious violation of the polytechnic’s student handbook. Four students from the Department of Mass Communication – Jaja Julietu, Usman Abdulgeniyu, Gimba Aminat, and Otitoju Taiwo Timilehin – were expelled for possession of unauthorized materials during examinations. The board’s decision, based on the findings of the Central Examination Misconduct Committee, underscores the institution’s zero-tolerance policy towards cheating and its dedication to maintaining the sanctity of its examinations.
The withdrawal of 273 students due to poor academic performance, despite the polytechnic’s efforts to provide a conducive learning environment, highlights the institution’s commitment to academic standards. The withdrawals, affecting students across 20 departments and 42 programs, underscore the polytechnic’s focus on ensuring that students meet the required academic benchmarks. The affected departments include Business Administration, Accountancy, Fine Art, Building Technology, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Animal Health and Production, Library Science, Mass Communication, and Office Technology and Management. The widespread nature of the withdrawals emphasizes the importance of academic diligence across all disciplines.
The Academic Board’s actions demonstrate a comprehensive approach to addressing both academic misconduct and underperformance. The board’s chairman, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, expressed his disappointment with the students’ performance, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to creating a supportive learning environment. He also commended the dedication of the Academic Board Result Verification Committee, led by Deputy Rector Dr. Samuel Taiwo Olowo, for their meticulous review of the results. This acknowledgement highlights the institution’s commitment to thorough and fair evaluation processes. Prof. Usman also praised the Central Examination Misconduct Committee, led by Dr. Grace Ehimony, for their diligent investigation and reporting.
Prof. Usman further underscored the importance of collaboration among various committees to ensure effective decision-making and uphold the quality of teaching and learning at the polytechnic. He reassured the polytechnic community of the board and management’s commitment to implementing reforms that will benefit the institution. This highlights the proactive stance of the polytechnic’s leadership in continuously seeking improvement and ensuring the institution remains a center of excellence. The disciplinary actions taken by the Academic Board serve as a deterrent against future academic misconduct and emphasize the importance of academic integrity and dedication to studies.
The decisive steps taken by the Kogi State Polytechnic, including the expulsions and withdrawals, demonstrate the institution’s unwavering dedication to maintaining high academic standards. While the polytechnic invests in creating a conducive learning environment, it also emphasizes the students’ responsibility to engage diligently in their studies and uphold academic integrity. The actions serve as a clear message to the entire student body that academic dishonesty and poor performance will not be tolerated. The polytechnic’s commitment to upholding these standards reinforces its reputation as an institution dedicated to producing well-rounded graduates equipped with the knowledge and integrity to excel in their chosen fields. The emphasis on fairness and due process in handling these cases further underscores the polytechnic’s commitment to ensuring a just and equitable academic environment for all its students.
