Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has suspended seven members of its academic staff following serious allegations bordering on sexual harassment, illegal handout sales, and other forms of misconduct.
The disciplinary action comes after a wave of complaints from students, with management confirming that all affected lecturers have been referred to the institution’s Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee for investigation.
The institution stated that the identities of the lecturers will remain undisclosed until the committee concludes its investigation and submits its recommendations.
Polytechnic Launches Investigation Into Staff Misconduct
According to the school’s management, the suspension is part of efforts to protect students, uphold academic integrity, and enforce institutional regulations.
Out of the seven suspended lecturers:
- One lecturer is being investigated over allegations of sexual harassment.
- Six others were suspended for allegedly forcing students to purchase handouts and textbooks directly from them, contrary to the institution’s policy.
The Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee has been tasked with examining each case before appropriate disciplinary measures are announced.
Management stressed that the disciplinary process will be transparent once investigations are completed.
Students Allege Sex-for-Marks and Grade Manipulation
The suspension follows weeks of complaints, particularly from female students, who accused some lecturers of abusing their positions for personal gain.
Several students alleged that lecturers demanded either cash payments or sexual favours in exchange for favourable academic grades.
Some students claimed they were asked to pay between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 to avoid failing their courses.
One of the most disturbing allegations involved a female student who claimed a lecturer instructed her to pay for and reserve a hotel room before agreeing to meet with her.
She further alleged that after reporting the incident to a senior management official, she experienced intimidation instead of receiving adequate protection.
Although these allegations remain under investigation, they have generated widespread concern among students and members of the public.
Six Lecturers Suspended Over Illegal Handout Sales
Beyond the sexual harassment allegations, the institution is also taking action against lecturers accused of violating its long-standing policy on handout sales.
Six academic staff members were suspended for allegedly compelling students to buy lecture materials directly from them.
The institution prohibits lecturers from making the purchase of textbooks or handouts compulsory, considering the practice an abuse of office and an unnecessary financial burden on students.
Management noted that if the allegations are confirmed, the affected lecturers could face further disciplinary sanctions after the committee concludes its findings.
Campus Security Tightened Over Fresh Cultism Concerns
The disciplinary action comes as the institution also battles renewed concerns over suspected cult-related activities on campus.
Students and security personnel have reportedly observed increased movement linked to secret cult groups in recent weeks.
One reported incident involved suspected initiation activities near one of the female hostels during the early hours of the morning, reportedly between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
The development has intensified calls for stronger security measures and stricter enforcement of campus regulations to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Management Awaits Outcome of Disciplinary Committee
Kogi State Polytechnic says the investigation remains ongoing and has urged members of the public to allow the disciplinary process to run its course.
The institution maintained that the names of the suspended lecturers will only be made public after the committee completes its investigation and recommendations are approved.
The outcome of the probe is expected to determine whether the affected staff members will face additional disciplinary actions or other sanctions in line with the institution’s regulations.
