Anxiety has gripped Kogi State Polytechnic in Lokoja as students report a troubling resurgence of cult activities and sexual exploitation on campus. Female students say they now live in fear as alleged misconduct spreads across the institution.
Investigations reveal that disciplinary controls put in place by the previous management have weakened since Salihu Sanusi Avidime took over as rector. According to sources on campus, some lecturers are allegedly using their positions to coerce female students into sexual or financial arrangements under threat of academic failure.
Students in the Public Administration and Graphics Design departments have reportedly been asked to pay between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 alongside sexual favours to secure passing grades. A student who reported one such incident to management claims she faced intimidation rather than support.
The rector is said to rarely spend time in his office, which observers claim has emboldened corrupt staff members. Dress codes have reportedly been scrapped, mandatory identity cards are no longer enforced, and the banned trade in textbook handouts has quietly resumed.
Campus security has allegedly failed to stop nocturnal cult initiation ceremonies occurring near female hostels. Concerned observers warn the polytechnic risks descending into a period of open intimidation unless the state government takes decisive action.
Polytechnic spokesperson John Amos Onimisi confirmed that management suspended six lecturers on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, for illegally selling textbooks and handouts. Another lecturer was also suspended over sexual harassment allegations, he told reporters.
Onimisi added that the disciplinary committee is actively investigating all claims and plans to release its findings publicly.
