The Acting Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr Salisu Ogbo Usman has reiterated his determination to reposition the school to meet the yearnings of 21st century higher institution. The Rector made this known in Lokoja on Monday during the presentation ceremony of award letters to the deserving contractors for seven TETFUND projects to be executed for the institution.
The contractors selected to execute the seven projects valued at N817.2 million emerged after a competitive bidding process. He warned the contractors against shoddy execution of the projects to avoid being blacklisted. The Rector noted that the era of abandoned projects has gone forever, advising the contractors to comply strictly with the bill of quantities in order to avoid collision with the management.
He frowns at the plethora of abandoned projects donning the landscape of the polytechnic and assured that he is determined to change the narrative for the school to have value for its money for the benefits of humanity and the institution. He explained that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) is magnanimous with the school by approving the construction of seven legacy projects which is aimed at enhancing teaching and learning urged the contractors to exhibit the highest level of professionalism in the execution of the projects.
Dr Salisu Usman disclosed that on the assumption of office barely three months ago, he did promise to utilise his contacts to bring functional developments to the institution which according to him culminated in the approval of these seven projects for the polytechnic. READ Government Will Do Everything to Avert Doctors’ Strike- Kogi Governor He warned contractors against a repeat of the ugly situations that led to the abandonment of some projects in the school without useful explanation from those concerned in the handling of those contracts.
He said as part of his efforts at repositioning the school to meet the yearnings of 21st century higher institution, he has completed the hosting of internet services within the campuses to aid the e-learning method adopted to keep the students abreast during the lockdown period occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that he has given the polytechnic a face light with the beautification of the perimeter fence and the construction of ultra-modern security post to enhance the security of lives and property.
The polytechnic administrator noted that he has also put in place proactive measures to discourage students from participating in cultism and cult-related activities saying their identified meeting points have been cleared of debris, as it will give the security personnel clear view to effectively monitor their activities.
“The era of abandoned projects has gone forever in the institution. The previous experiences with the contractors will not be tolerated. We are determined to ensure that any kobo spent on projects must be accounted for to the letter“. I, therefore, advised you (contractors) to liaise with the consultant in every stage of the project to avoid running fouls of the specifications. If you follow the standard you will not have problems with us,” he warned.
Those present at the occasion include the Tetfund Consultant, Gimba and Partners, Heads of Professional Associations in the state, the Press, contractors and Management staff of the college.
