Fresh allegations of sexual harassment, cult-related activities and academic misconduct have cast a shadow over Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, with students expressing fears over what they describe as a worsening atmosphere on campus.
Investigations revealed that many students, particularly female students, are allegedly reluctant to report cases of misconduct due to fears of intimidation and victimisation.
Sources within the institution alleged that disciplinary standards put in place by the previous administration have weakened in recent months, creating room for the resurgence of unethical practices involving some lecturers and students.
According to the sources, some lecturers allegedly demand sexual favours or cash payments from female students in exchange for favourable academic grades.
Two lecturers from the Public Administration and Graphics Design departments, whose identities were withheld, were mentioned in the allegations.
They were accused of asking students to either submit to sexual advances or pay between ?70,000 and ?80,000 to secure passing grades.
A source, who spoke anonymously, claimed that the institution had previously curtailed such practices through strict disciplinary measures but alleged that lax enforcement had allowed them to return.
‘Some lecturers now operate without fear. There are reports of a lecturer allegedly asking a student to book and pay for a hotel room before he would consider assisting her academically,’ the source alleged.
The source further claimed that a student who reported the incident to a management official was allegedly intimidated instead of receiving protection.
‘There is growing concern that the disciplinary structure has weakened. Many students are afraid to report cases because they fear victimisation or possible expulsion,’ the source said.
Beyond the allegations of sexual misconduct, concerns have also been raised over an alleged resurgence of cult activities on campus.
Sources claimed that late-night meetings and initiation ceremonies, previously suppressed by the institution, have resurfaced around student hostels.
One source alleged that a cult initiation took place between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. near a female hostel, adding that although security personnel reportedly alerted the management, no immediate action was taken.
Observers also expressed concern over the alleged relaxation of campus regulations, including dress code enforcement and compulsory use of student identity cards, as well as the reported return of handout sales by some lecturers despite rising school fees.
Responding to the allegations, the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, John Amos Onimisi, confirmed that the management had suspended six lecturers on July 22, 2026, for the unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks. He also disclosed that another lecturer had been suspended over allegations of sexual harassment.
Onimisi said the institution’s disciplinary committee has commenced an investigation into the allegations and assured that the outcome of the probe would be made available to journalists upon its conclusion.