Six lecturers face action over alleged unauthorised sales, while another is suspended over alleged sexual harassment as wider campus concerns are investigated
The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has suspended seven lecturers over alleged misconduct, including the unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks and alleged sexual harassment, as concerns about campus discipline and student welfare continue to draw attention in the institution.
Also read: Kogi Poly suspends 7 lecturers amid misconduct allegations
The Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, John Amos Onimisi, confirmed the disciplinary action in a statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday, saying six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, over alleged unauthorised sales of handouts and textbooks, while another lecturer was suspended over an allegation of sexual harassment.
“Six lecturers on Wednesday 22nd of July, 2026 were suspended by the management of the institution for unauthorised sales of handouts and textbooks while a lecturer was also suspended for alleged sexual harassment,” Onimisi said.
The suspensions come amid wider allegations of sex-for-marks, cult-related activities and other forms of misconduct at the polytechnic.
However, the more serious claims have not been established and remain subject to investigation by the institution’s disciplinary committee.
Onimisi said the management was aware of some of the allegations circulating within the institution and that investigations were already under way.
He added that the outcome of the inquiries would be made available to journalists in due course.
The development has nevertheless fuelled anxiety among some students and members of the polytechnic community, with sources alleging that some disciplinary safeguards have weakened in recent months.
Some of the unverified allegations concern claims that female students have faced inappropriate sexual advances or demands for money in connection with their academic progress.
The claims reportedly involve lecturers in the Public Administration and Graphics Design departments, although the identities of the individuals were not disclosed.
One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that students had been threatened with poor grades unless they complied with inappropriate demands.
Another source claimed that concerns over cult-related activities had also resurfaced, including an alleged incident involving a gathering at a female hostel.
The claims could not be independently verified, and there is no indication from the polytechnic that any specific lecturer has been found guilty of sex-for-marks or cult-related offences.
The allegations have, however, placed renewed attention on the responsibility of tertiary institutions to maintain safe learning environments and provide credible channels through which students can report harassment or other forms of misconduct without fear of retaliation.
The controversy comes several months after Professor Salihu Sanusi Avidime assumed office as Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic.
Some internal sources have criticised the administration’s handling of discipline, but those claims remain allegations and have not been independently substantiated.
The Polytechnic’s official position points to disciplinary action already taken against seven lecturers, suggesting that management is responding to at least some complaints through formal procedures.
The institution has also previously taken firm action on academic standards. In May 2026, its Academic Board approved the withdrawal of 229 students over poor academic performance following the consideration of first-semester results for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The decision was presented by the institution as part of efforts to uphold academic standards.
The institution’s website also records recent efforts to strengthen security. In July 2025, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo donated security equipment to the polytechnic as part of measures aimed at improving the safety of lives and property across tertiary institutions in the state.
The latest disciplinary action therefore comes against a broader backdrop of efforts to balance academic integrity, student welfare and campus security.
For students, particularly those who may feel vulnerable to harassment or intimidation, the outcome of the ongoing investigations could prove significant.
A transparent process that establishes the facts and protects complainants and accused persons alike will be crucial to restoring confidence.
Kogi State Polytechnic has not publicly confirmed the wider claims of a resurgence in cultism or a systematic sex-for-marks practice.
Those allegations remain unproven, while the seven suspensions announced by management are disciplinary measures pending the outcome of investigations.
As the inquiry progresses, attention is likely to remain focused on whether the institution’s disciplinary process produces a credible resolution and whether further measures are introduced to strengthen accountability.
Also read: UNIZIK denies viral lecturer misconduct claim as false
For the management of Kogi State Polytechnic, the episode presents a critical opportunity to demonstrate that allegations of misconduct will be addressed through a fair, transparent and decisive process, while ensuring that the institution remains a secure environment for teaching, learning and professional development.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
