The leadership of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, wishes to inform the entire student community about the outcome of the interactive session held on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, at the Council Chamber. The meeting brought together the Polytechnic Management, Student Union leaders, security agencies, government officials responsible for student matters, and other key stakeholders to discuss the recent upward review of school fees.
During the session, the Rector, Prof. Dr. Usman Ogbo Salisu, explained that the last adjustment of school fees was made in 2018. He clarified that the newly approved fees by the Kogi State House of Assembly will only affect fresh students from the 2025/2026 academic session, while returning students will continue paying the existing fee structure.
According to the Rector, the increment became necessary due to the removal of fuel subsidy, inflationary pressures, and the rising costs of educational materials nationwide. He also reassured students of Management’s commitment to their welfare, outlining plans to improve campus security, enhance health services, encourage extracurricular activities, and introduce flexible installment payment options in the future.
The meeting also had in attendance the leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), where I, the SUG President, serve as a Senator, alongside its executives; the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Kogi State Chapter; the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS); and other government officials overseeing student affairs.
It is important to state that while NAPS had initially planned a protest against the increment, after listening to Management’s explanations and engaging in open dialogue with KSP student leaders, they acknowledged the necessity of the review. Recognizing the sincerity and transparency of the process, NAPS resolved to embrace dialogue rather than protest and pledged their support for Kogi State Polytechnic moving forward.
As the Students’ Union Government, we categorically affirm that the Union has neither endorsed nor organized any protest regarding the fee adjustment. Instead, we remain committed to constructive dialogue with Management, given that we have been carried along from the very beginning of this process. Our foremost concern remains the protection of our students’ interests, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.
We commend the Polytechnic Management for its openness and, in particular, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Usman Ogbo Salisu, whose honesty, integrity, and dedication to student welfare have been evident throughout this process. His transparent leadership has provided the basis for our support.
We also appreciate the intervention of the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, who reminded us that protest is a democratic right but emphasized that “the truth speaks for itself.” His words reinforced the spirit of peace and understanding that guided the entire discussion.
Furthermore, we extend our gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his unwavering support for education and his continued prioritization of student welfare. We equally commend the Honourable Commissioner for Education and other government officials who have contributed to the advancement of student development. The constructive contributions of opposition voices and other stakeholders present also underscored the administration’s commitment to transparency and progress.
Finally, we remind all students that your leaders are here because of you. Do not hesitate to reach out to us whenever the need arises. Your voice will always be heard.
Signed,
Comr. Enimokanyi Janet Oluwadamilola
President, SUG Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja
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