Kogi State Polytechnic management has suspended seven lecturers following allegations of sexual harassment and the unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks, as renewed concerns emerge over campus misconduct in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Monday, 27 July 2026.
The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr John Onimisi, confirmed the disciplinary action after students raised fresh allegations of sex-for-marks, cult-related activities and other forms of misconduct months after a new rector assumed office.
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According to Mr Onimisi, six lecturers were suspended over the alleged unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks, while one lecturer was suspended over an allegation of sexual harassment involving a female student.
He said the Polytechnic’s disciplinary committee had begun a formal investigation into the claims.
“The disciplinary committee of the Polytechnic is already investigating the allegations and the outcome will be made available to journalists,” Mr Onimisi said.
The suspensions followed complaints from several students, who requested anonymity over fears of victimisation.
Some female students alleged that lecturers demanded sexual favours or payments in exchange for grades or protection from academic failure.
Students also claimed that two lecturers from the Public Administration and Graphics Design departments demanded between N70,000 and N80,000 from female students.
Those allegations have not been independently verified, and the institution has not publicly identified the lecturers involved.
One student alleged that a lecturer instructed a female student to book and pay for a hotel room before a planned meeting.
The student further claimed that after reporting the incident to a management official, intimidation followed instead of immediate disciplinary action.
“Sadly, these things were tamed under the former management, but with the current ‘I-don’t-care’ attitude, the old traits are coming back,” one student said.
Beyond the allegations involving lecturers, students expressed concern over what they described as a troubling return of cult-related activities on campus.
One student alleged that a nocturnal gathering believed to involve cult members took place near a female hostel between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. about two weeks earlier.
According to the student, security personnel reported the incident to management, but no action had been communicated.
Students also alleged that enforcement of the Polytechnic’s dress code and compulsory identity card policy had weakened.
Others claimed that the sale of banned handouts had resurfaced and that school fees had increased by more than 200 per cent, adding to financial pressures on students.
While Mr Onimisi confirmed the suspension of the seven lecturers and the ongoing investigation, he did not directly address the allegations relating to the reported resurgence of cult activities.
The development marks one of the most significant disciplinary actions taken by the institution since its new leadership assumed office.
Under former Rector Professor Salisu Usman, students said stricter disciplinary measures had reduced cases of sexual harassment, unauthorised handout sales and other forms of misconduct.
Some students now fear those gains could be eroded if current allegations are not addressed decisively.
The allegations have intensified calls from students and parents for transparent investigations, stronger institutional oversight and effective measures to safeguard students and restore confidence in the Polytechnic’s academic environment.
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The ongoing investigation is expected to determine whether further disciplinary or legal action will follow.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
