By Stephen Adeleye
The governing council and management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, have named the institution’s Library complex after a former Rector, Late Prof. Matthew Ajibero.
Prof. Salisu Usman, the Polytechnic Rector, while unveiling the library complex at Lokoja campus on Tuesday, said the gesture was a unanimous decision of the polytechnic governing council.
He eulogised Ajibero for his remarkable legacies and indelible footprints that had led to the development, progress and stability of the institution.
“During his time as Kogi Poly Rector, he established the department of library and information science.
“This library complex we are naming after him today, was initiated and built by him as well as lots of infrastructures in the Lokoja and Itakpe campuses of this institution.
“Prof. Ajibero, though unassuming, was a great man. He was a highly dedicated and committed administrator,” Usman said.
Usman noted that his path first crossed with Ajibero way back in Bayero University Kano (BUK), when the former rector was Head of Library and Information Science Department.
He added that they met again at University of Ilorin were he was the University Librarian, working with then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shamsudeen Amali.
The rector said that Ajibero also recommended him as a referee to then Kogi State University Anyigba, now Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU).
He disclosed that the governing council had also penciled down some structures to be named after two other former rectors of the polytechnic.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rector also inaugurated the newly elected executives of both the Students’ Union Government (SUG) and National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS) of the institution.
He commended the electoral committee for the smooth process, having heeded to his warning against imposition and external influence.The rector assured the students of his commitment to their welfare, and advised the new executives to be transparent, accountable and sensitive to issues on the campus
Usman appreciated the immediate past SUG President and his exco for their cooperation and support in ensuring peace and progress on the campus.
He encouraged the new SUG President and his team to work towards leaving an enduring legacy during their tenure.
The rector assured the students of the management’s commitment to be fair, transparent and prioritise their rights and security on campus.
NAN reports that Janet Enimokanyi Oluwadamilola emerged as SUG President while Abubakar Isah Sheriff emerged the NAKOSS President for the 2024/2025 academic session.
In her remarks, the new SUG President, commended her co-contestant for his show of sportsmanship and solicited for unity of purpose of members and charged the students on patriotism. (NAN)
