Anxiety has gripped Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, following allegations of renewed sex-for-marks, cult activities and other misconduct months after a new rector assumed office.

Female students alleged that disciplinary structures established under a former rector, Salisu Usman, have weakened, allowing previously suppressed social vices to resurface.

The students spoke separately on Sunday in Lokoja, requesting anonymity because they feared possible victimisation or disciplinary action by the institution.

They alleged that some lecturers now demand sexual favours or money from female students in exchange for grades or protection from academic failure.

Two lecturers, from Public Administration and Graphics Design departments, were allegedly mentioned in cases involving demands for between N70,000 and N80,000. The lecturers were allegedly accused of threatening female students with failure unless they “cooperate” or make the requested payments.

“Sadly, these things were tamed under the former management, but with the current ‘I don’t care’ attitude, the old traits are coming back,” a student said.

The source further alleged that one lecturer instructed a female student to book a hotel room and pay the bills before a planned meeting.

The student reportedly complained to a management staff member but alleged that she faced intimidation instead of receiving protection or seeing disciplinary action initiated.

“The disciplinary structure has collapsed. Corrupt lecturers are getting emboldened while female students are suffering in silence for fear of rustication,” the student said.

Another student alleged that nocturnal cult meetings had resurfaced, citing an incident reportedly observed near a female hostel about two weeks ago. According to her, the incident occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. and was reportedly brought to management’s attention by security personnel.

The student alleged that no action had been taken against those reportedly involved in the incident.

The students also raised concerns over the alleged abandonment of dress codes and compulsory identity cards, alongside the reported return of banned handout sales.

They further complained about a reported increase of more than 200 per cent in school fees, saying the development had intensified financial pressures on students.

Governor Usman Ododo has been called upon to intervene, with a warning that “impunity, truancy and indolence have taken over the legacies left behind by the former rector”.

However, the polytechnic said it had already begun taking disciplinary measures against lecturers accused of violating institutional rules.

The institution’s spokesman, John Onimisi, confirmed that six lecturers were suspended on Wednesday. He said the lecturers were suspended over alleged unauthorised sales of handouts and textbooks within the institution.

Mr Onimisi also confirmed that another lecturer had been suspended for sexual harassment.

“The disciplinary committee of the polytechnic is already investigating the allegations, and the outcome will be made available to journalists,” he said.

Mr Onimisi, however, did not specifically address the allegations concerning the reported resurgence of cult-related activities on campus.

The allegations have heightened calls by students and parents for stronger oversight, transparent investigations and decisive action to protect students.

They also urged the institution to strengthen disciplinary mechanisms and restore confidence in the polytechnic’s ability to provide a safe academic environment.

(NAN)