Seven Lecturers Suspended Over Alleged Sex-for-Marks Scandal at Kogi Polytechnic

Kogi State Polytechnic has suspended seven lecturers, including one over alleged sexual harassment, as students raise fresh concerns about sex-for-marks, cult activities and declining disciplinary standards on campus.

Fresh allegations of sex-for-marks, cult activities and other misconduct have sparked concern at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, just months after a new rector assumed office.

Several female students, who spoke anonymously for fear of victimisation, claimed that disciplinary measures introduced under the institution’s former rector, Salisu Usman, have weakened, allowing misconduct that had previously been curbed to resurface.

According to the students, some lecturers allegedly demand sexual favours or cash from female students in exchange for passing grades or protection from academic failure. Two lecturers from the Public Administration and Graphics Design departments were specifically accused of demanding between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 while threatening to fail students who refused to comply.

One student alleged that a lecturer instructed a female student to book and pay for a hotel room before meeting him. She claimed the student reported the incident to a management official but was allegedly intimidated instead of receiving support or seeing disciplinary action taken.

The students also expressed concern over the alleged return of cult activities, claiming that late-night meetings had resumed around campus. One student said security personnel reportedly alerted management after observing a suspected cult gathering near a female hostel between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. about two weeks ago, but no action was allegedly taken.

Additional complaints included the reported abandonment of dress code and identity card enforcement, the return of banned handout sales, and a school fee increase of more than 200 per cent, which students said had placed greater financial pressure on them.

The students appealed to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo to intervene, warning that indiscipline and impunity were eroding the progress achieved under the previous administration.

Responding to the allegations, the institution’s spokesperson, John Onimisi, confirmed that six lecturers had been suspended over the unauthorised sale of handouts and textbooks, while another lecturer was suspended over an allegation of sexual harassment.

Onimisi said the polytechnic’s disciplinary committee was investigating the allegations and promised that the outcome would be made public when the inquiry is completed. However, he did not comment on the claims regarding the alleged resurgence of cult activities on campus.

The allegations have prompted renewed calls from students and parents for transparent investigations, stronger disciplinary measures and improved protection for students to ensure a safer learning environment.

READ ALSO: UNILAG Student Testifies in Court Over Alleged Assault by Lecturer

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PEOPLE GAZETTE