The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has suspended seven lecturers over allegations bordering on sexual harassment and unauthorized sale of handouts and textbooks.

The institution’s Public Relations Officer, John Amos Onimisi, confirmed the development, stating that six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, for illegal sale of handouts and textbooks, while one lecturer was suspended for alleged sexual harassment of female students.

According to Onimisi, the institution’s disciplinary committee has commenced investigation into the allegations and its findings will be made public.

The suspension is coming amid rising tension on campus, with students, particularly female students, expressing concern over alleged resurgence of sexual harassment, cultism and extortion.

Sources within the institution alleged that some lecturers have been coercing female students for sexual favours or financial inducement, demanding between N70,000 and N80,000 in exchange for grades. Two cases, reportedly involving lecturers from the Department of Public Administration and the Department of Graphics Design, are currently generating concern on campus.

One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that a female student was asked by a lecturer to book and pay for a hotel room for a sexual encounter as a condition for passing his course. The student was said to have reported the matter to the management but allegedly faced intimidation instead of redress.

The source further alleged a decline in discipline since the resumption of the current Rector, Professor Salihu Sanusi Avidime, claiming that measures put in place by the previous administration, including dress code enforcement and compulsory wearing of identity cards, have been relaxed.

Other allegations raised include the resurgence of cult-related activities, including nocturnal meetings around female hostels, illegal sale of handouts, and a significant increase in school fees.

Sources called on the Kogi State Government under Governor Usman Ododo to intervene and restore discipline and academic standards in the institution.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Rector as of press time were unsuccessful. (New Telegraph, excluding headline)

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