During its 120th session, the Academic Board of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, approved the removal of 273 students for consistently poor performance, alongside expulsion of six others for serious examination offences. The decision, announced Monday by the Rector and Board Chairman, Dr. Salisu Usman, followed a detailed evaluation of first-semester results in the 2024/25 academic year.

Dr. Usman explained that the measure affects learners across 20 departments and 42 programmes, reinforcing the institution’s ongoing commitment to upholding rigorous academic standards.

Reasons Behind the Withdrawals

Despite ample support and learning resources, the 273 withdrawn students failed to attain required academic thresholds. Dr. Usman emphasized that these learners repeatedly underperformed, posing a challenge to the polytechnic’s mission to foster a strong educational environment.

He stressed, “The board decided that we must uphold educational quality. Continued enrollment of underperforming students would lower standards and disadvantage high-achieving peers.”

Expulsions for Severe Exam Violations

In addition to mass withdrawals, six students faced expulsion for grave offences: impersonation and possession of unauthorised materials during examinations. Two offenders came from Business Administration and Accountancy, and four from Mass Communication.

The Central Examination Misconduct Committee, chaired by Dr. Grace Ehimony, conducted thorough investigations into every allegation. The committee’s recommended expulsions received swift approval from the Board.

History of Academic Discipline at Kogi Poly

This is not the first time the polytechnic has imposed significant sanctions. In the 2021/22 academic session, officials withdrew over 185 students and expelled 14 for examining malpractice and document forgery. In earlier years, various disciplinary actions impacted dozens of students, including expulsion of 25 in 2020 for similar offences .

These recurring interventions illustrate the institution’s long-standing emphasis on results integrity and performance accountability.

Institutional Framework and Oversight

Kogi Polytechnic’s disciplinary structure features multiple review bodies. The Results Verification Committee ensures accuracy in grade compilation prior to Board approval. Meanwhile, the Central Examination Misconduct Committee reviews misconduct cases—including cheating, impersonation, and illegal materials. The Student Disciplinary Committee oversees non-academic violations.

Reporting channels funnel to these committees, and their recommendations proceed to the Academic Board for final decisions. This layered governance ensures fairness and due process.

Impact on Departments and Programmes

The withdrawals span 42 academic programmes—ranging from engineering and business to mass communication and creative arts. This broad spectrum indicates systemic performance challenges.

Dr. Usman called on programme coordinators and heads to reevaluate curriculum delivery, emphasise tutoring, and initiate targeted interventions to help struggling learners rebuild and return.

Balancing Discipline with Student Welfare

Acknowledging the serious consequences of withdrawal, Dr. Usman encouraged affected learners to reassess their study strategies and consider reapplying once they improve academically. He assured them of available re-entry pathways, provided they raise performance.

However, he warned those expelled for malpractice that their records will remain, strongly limiting prospects for future readmission.

Strengthening Institutional Reputation

The polytechnic’s leadership views these measures as essential to preserving its academic integrity. Dr. Usman praised committee and Board members for their dedication and called on the wider institution to maintain a high-performance culture.

He reminded students, “You benefit from a conducive learning environment. Stay focused and make full use of campus facilities—labs, libraries, workshops—to excel.”

National Perspective on Polytechnic Standards

Across Nigeria, public polytechnics frequently withdraw or expel students to uphold academic quality. Experts link such actions to poor student preparedness, underfunding, and high dropout rates tied to inadequate support.

Students nationwide face pressure to meet strict requirements to maintain accreditation standards set by bodies such as the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Kogi Poly’s mass withdrawals underscore this sector-wide emphasis on performance and credibility.

The Effect on Affected Students

Withdrawing 273 students equates to a significant percentage of the intake across two semesters. These learners lose access to grant schemes, department facilities, and academic advising—though they retain the potential to return if they remediate.

Expelled students face more severe consequences: official transcripts will bear misconduct marks, their names enter national databases, and employers may view their records negatively during hiring or further education.

Forward-Looking Strategies to Improve Outcomes

In light of these events, the polytechnic plans further reforms:

• Mentorship programs pairing underperformers with top students.

• Faculty-driven tutoring sessions to target grade gaps.

• Remedial workshops during holidays for student catch-up.

• Strengthened exam protocols including surveillance and honor pledges.

• Workshops on academic ethics to reinforce consequences of misconduct.

These efforts aim to reduce future withdrawals and foster a more supportive learning culture.

Messaging for Broader Stakeholders

Dr. Usman appealed to parents, guardians, and prospective students to recognise the academic challenges at the polytechnic. He urged families to support learners at home and institutionalise proactive engagement with lecturers and advisors.

For prospective applicants, he reinforced that admission equates to opportunity & responsibility: “If you enroll, be prepared to work.”

Conclusion: Raising the Bar Through Accountability

Kogi State Polytechnic’s recent decision demonstrates a firm stance on academic standards and integrity. By withdrawing 273 students and expelling six, the institution sends a clear message: it will preserve the quality and reputation of its programmes.

Ultimately, the board’s actions aim not to punish, but to protect the value of a Kogi Poly education for current and future graduates. Strengthening performance and ethical rigor ensures a stronger alumni base, improved employer trust, and positive academic culture.

As conditions evolve, the polytechnic aims to balance firmness with opportunity—helping withdrawn students return better prepared, and deterring malpractice to elevate its academic standing across Nigeria.