Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal University Lokoja (FUL). Based on the MoU undergraduate degree and Top-Up programmes will commence at the Polytechnic’s main campus.
The agreement was signed on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Senate Building of the University. It paves the way for the establishment of a Study Centre in Lokoja where regular undergraduate and HND conversion programmes will be offered.
According to a statement issued by Uredo Omale, Director of Public Relations and Protocol at Kogi State Polytechnic:
“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 (HND) certificates into corresponding and available undergraduate degree programmes.
“The Top-Up programmes will be offered on both Part-Time and Full-Time basis.”
Beyond Degrees: Collaboration Framework
The MoU also includes provisions for broader academic collaboration between the two institutions. It covers:
- Staff and student exchange programmes.
- Equipment sharing for practicals
- Joint research initiatives and collaborative learning.
Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, described the signing as historic:
“The MoU will be remembered as one of the legacy achievements of my administration, and one of the legacies bequeathed to the state by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi.”
He assured that the Polytechnic is well positioned to deliver on its side of the partnership:
“Kogi State Polytechnic is well equipped with quality manpower, robust infrastructure, and a secure learning environment to support the collaboration.”
“All programmes offered at the Polytechnic are fully accredited, including those I inherited that were not previously accredited.”
Prof. Usman pledged; “The Polytechnic’s accredited academic programmes would enrich the partnership, pledging total compliance with the terms of the agreement.”
University Leaders Hail Milestone
Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwunmi, described the MoU as a dream come true, attributing its success to strong leadership and cordial relations between the two institutions.
“The collaboration would significantly advance education in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.” He urge that implementation should commence without delay.
Prof. Olayemi commended Kogi State Polytechnic for aligning with the drive to expand access to quality tertiary education.
Professor Musa Adeku Ibrahim, Director of FUL’s Centre for Distance and E-Learning, provided background on the MoU’s development; “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 added that the MoU will stand as one of the notable achievements under the leadership of VC Akinwunmi.
In his closing remarks, Professor A. E. Bala, FUL Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), expressed gratitude to the Rector for clarifying potential grey areas and reaffirmed that the University would fully uphold the agreement:
“We will uphold the MoU as agreed.”
Witnesses and Institutional Commitment
The signing ceremony was attended by principal officers and management staff of both institutions, signaling a shared commitment to expanding educational access and fostering academic excellence.