Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal University Lokoja to kick-start the running of degree programmes in the institution.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Uredo Omale, made available to newsmen on Sunday in Lokoja.
“In the landmark agreement signed on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the University’s Senate Hall, a Study Centre will be established at the Polytechnic Main Campus, Lokoja, for the running of regular undergraduate degree and Top-Up programmes.
“The regular degree programmes provide opportunities for interested applicants to apply for available courses through UTME and Direct entry modes. The Top-Up mode of the agreement will facilitate the conversion of Higher National Diploma certificates into corresponding and available undergraduate degree programmes. The Top-Up programmes will be offered on both part-time and a full-time basis.
“The MoU also covers staff and student exchange programmes, equipment sharing for practicals to strengthen joint research and collaborative learning initiatives”, the statement read.
The Rector, Professor Salisu Usman, described the MoU as “historic in all ramifications”, stressing that it will be remembered as one of the legacy achievements of his administration, and one of the legacies bequeathed to the state by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akiwunmi.
According to him, the Polytechnic is well equipped with quality manpower, robust infrastructure and a secure learning environment to support the collaboration.
He reiterated that all programmes offered at the Polytechnic are fully accredited, including those he inherited that were not previously accredited.
Usman assured that the Polytechnic’s accredited academic programmes would enrich the partnership, pledging total compliance with the terms of the agreement.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, hailed the signing as a dream come true, attributing its success to the quality of leadership and cordial relationship between the two institutions.
He emphasised that the collaboration would significantly advance education in Kogi State and Nigeria at large, urging that implementation should commence without delay.
He also applauded the Polytechnic for aligning with efforts to make tertiary education more accessible.
In his remarks, the Director of the Centre for Distance and E-Learning of the University, Professor Musa Adeku Ibrahim, recalled that plans for the Study Centre began with a letter of intent from Kogi State Polytechnic on 12th February 2025, which was later approved by the University Senate on 7th August 2025, following an oversight visit for verification.
He noted that the MoU would remain one of the notable achievements under Professor Akinwunmi’s administration.
In his closing remarks, the University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor A. E. Bala, expressed his appreciation to the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic for clarifying potential grey areas and assured that the university would uphold the MoU as agreed.
The MoU signing was witnessed by Principal Officers and Management staff of both institutions.
