Kogi State Polytechnic has terminated the appointment of a lecturer, Mr. Mukhtar Muhammed, over alleged sexual misconduct involving a student. The institution also dismissed another staff member, Mrs. Funmilayo Afolabi, for staying away from duty for nine months without official approval.
The decisions were announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Public Relations and Protocol of the polytechnic, Mrs. Uredo Omale. The actions followed resolutions reached at the 72nd Regular Meeting of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council.
According to the statement, the meeting was held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Council Chamber of the institution. It was presided over by the Chairman of the Governing Council, Barrister Sani Shaibu.
Mrs. Omale explained that the council carefully reviewed reports and recommendations from the Appointments, Promotions and Disciplinary Committee before taking the decisions. She said the actions reflect the institution’s commitment to discipline, accountability, and ethical conduct.
Mr. Muhammed, who was an Administrative Officer II, was found culpable following investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student. The council approved the termination of his appointment after concluding that the offence violated the rules and values of the institution.
Although the management did not disclose details of the incident, it stressed that sexual misconduct is a serious offence that will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The polytechnic reiterated its commitment to providing a safe learning and working environment for students and staff.
Sexual misconduct in tertiary institutions has remained a major concern across Nigeria. In recent years, several universities and polytechnics have faced public criticism over cases involving lecturers and students. Many institutions have since strengthened their policies, set up complaint channels, and promised strict punishment for offenders.
Kogi State Polytechnic said its decision to terminate the lecturer’s appointment was meant to serve as a strong warning to others and to reassure students that their welfare is taken seriously.
In a related development, the council also dismissed Mrs. Funmilayo Afolabi, an Assistant Chief Executive Officer, for prolonged absence from duty. According to the statement, Mrs. Afolabi reportedly abandoned her duties for nine months without permission or valid explanation.
The council ruled that her action amounted to gross misconduct and a clear violation of public service rules. As a result, her appointment was terminated with immediate effect.
Absence from duty without approval is considered a serious offence in public service, as it affects productivity and service delivery. Management of the polytechnic said it would no longer tolerate such behaviour from any staff member.
In addition to the dismissals, the Governing Council approved the demotion of a senior staff member, Mr. Audu Mathew. Mr. Mathew, who was a Deputy Registrar, was demoted to the rank of Principal Assistant Registrar due to negligence of duty.
According to Mrs. Omale, the council found that Mr. Mathew failed to carry out his responsibilities effectively. The demotion was approved as a corrective measure and a reminder that leadership positions come with high expectations and responsibility.
“The council’s decisions reaffirm the institution’s zero tolerance for misconduct, negligence, and dereliction of duty,” the statement said.
While the council took firm disciplinary actions, it also approved several promotions as part of efforts to reward hard work and dedication. The council approved the promotion of 11 Principal Lecturers to the rank of Chief Lecturer.
In addition, 49 academic staff and 71 non-teaching staff were promoted under the 2024 promotion exercise. For the 2025 exercise, the council approved the promotion of 225 academic staff and 227 non-teaching staff.
Altogether, over 500 staff members benefited from the promotion exercises, making it one of the largest promotion approvals in the institution’s recent history.
The polytechnic said the promotions were based on merit, years of service, performance, and compliance with institutional guidelines. It noted that rewarding deserving staff is key to boosting morale and improving productivity.
According to the statement, the combination of disciplinary actions and promotions reflects a balanced approach to administration. While misconduct is punished, excellence and commitment are recognised and rewarded.
Kogi State Polytechnic has in recent years focused on reforms aimed at improving academic standards, staff discipline, and service delivery. The management believes that a disciplined workforce is necessary for the institution to achieve its goals.
Students of the polytechnic who spoke anonymously said they welcomed the council’s decision, especially the action taken on the alleged sexual misconduct case. Some said the move would encourage students to speak up when faced with harassment.
Staff unions within the institution also acknowledged the importance of discipline but urged management to ensure fairness and transparency in all disciplinary processes.
Mrs. Omale said the Governing Council followed due process in all its decisions. She added that affected staff members were given opportunities to respond to allegations before final decisions were taken.
She further stated that the council remains committed to building a professional, disciplined, and productive workforce that aligns with the values of the polytechnic and the expectations of the public.
As Kogi State Polytechnic continues its academic and administrative activities, the latest decisions send a clear message that misconduct, absenteeism, and negligence will not be tolerated, while dedication and hard work will be rewarded.
The institution urged staff and students to continue to uphold high moral standards and to report any form of misconduct through the appropriate channels.