By Suleiman Abdulmumin
The Kogi State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abanika Taiye, earlier today received in audience a delegation from the National Association of Ebira Students (NAES), Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja Chapter, during a courtesy visit to his office.
The visit was part of the students’ efforts to create awareness and seek the Commissioner’s support for their forthcoming Annual Handing Over and Cultural Display Program.
In his remarks, Hon. Abanika commended the students for being worthy ambassadors of the Ebira nation, lauding their initiative and commitment to promoting cultural heritage and youth engagement. He assured them of his full support, reaffirming his continuous dedication to educational development in line with the vision of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State.
However, the Commissioner expressed deep concern over the rising cases of examination malpractice and declining academic performance amongst Students of tertiary institutions. He cited the recent withdrawal of over a hundred students from Kogi State Polytechnic due to poor academic standing and examination misconduct.
Hon. Abanika applauded the Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof, Usman Ogbo, for his uncompromising stance on academic excellence and institutional discipline. He urged the student leaders to counsel their peers on the need to prioritize their studies and uphold academic integrity.
“I encourage you to remain focused, disciplined, and goal-oriented. Education is the foundation of any society’s progress, and you all have a role to play in shaping the future of the Ebira nation and Kogi State at large,” he added.