LOKOJA: The Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, will soon begin offering undergraduate degree programmes following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with the Federal University Lokoja FUL.
Director of Public Relations and Protocol at the polytechnic, Mrs Uredo Omale in a statement said the agreement was formalized on Friday at the Senate Building of FUL.
According to her, the MoU provides for the establishment of a Study Centre at the Polytechnic’s main campus in Lokoja. The Centre will run both regular undergraduate degrees and Top-Up programmes.
Explaining the scope of the programmes, Omale said applicants could gain admission through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME and Direct Entry, while holders of Higher National Diploma HND certificates would have the opportunity to convert them into corresponding degree qualifications on part-time or full-time basis.
She added that the agreement also covers staff and student exchange, equipment sharing for practicals, as well as joint research and collaborative learning initiatives.
Speaking at the signing, the Rector of the State Polytechnic, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, described the partnership as “historic in all ramifications,” noting that it would be remembered as one of the legacy achievements of his administration.
“Our Polytechnic is equipped with quality manpower, robust infrastructure and a secure learning environment to support this collaboration. All our programmes are fully accredited, including those I inherited that were not previously accredited,” Prof. Usman said, assuring full compliance with the terms of the MoU.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, hailed the agreement as “a dream come true.”
He attributed the success of the initiative to the quality of leadership and cordial relationship between the two institutions.
“This collaboration will significantly advance education in Kogi State and Nigeria at large. What we must do now is ensure prompt implementation,” Prof. Akinwunmi stated, while applauding the Polytechnic for aligning with national efforts to expand access to higher education.
Also speaking, the Director of the Centre for Distance and E-Learning at FUL, Professor Musa Adeku Ibrahim, disclosed that the process leading to the MoU began with a letter of intent from Kogi State Polytechnic on February 12, 2025. He said the request was approved by the University Senate on August 7, following a verification visit.
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of FUL, Professor A. E. Bala, commended the Rector of the Polytechnic for clarifying potential grey areas during negotiations and pledged that the university would uphold its end of the agreement.
The ceremony was witnessed by principal officers and management staff of both institutions.
