The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Prof. Salihu Sanusi Avidime, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for education through the deliberate and intensified efforts of his administration, particularly the renewed commitment to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), which, he said, has not only sustained tertiary education in the country but has also significantly improved it.
The Rector stated this on Friday, 28 August 2026, when the newly appointed TETFund Board of Trustees Member representing North Central, Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Ocholi, paid his first official visit to Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
The visit was led by Dr. Ocholi and accompanied by other eminent personalities from the education and professional sectors.
Welcoming the team on behalf of the Management, Prof. Avidime described Dr. Ocholi’s appointment as a recognition of competence by President Tinubu, noting that the appointment reflects the President’s unflinching confidence in young and capable minds.
He further stated that Dr. Ocholi’s emergence as a member of the TETFund Board of Trustees, at a relatively young age, was an absolute credit to President Tinubu and the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for supporting and promoting young minds. He prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom and grace for Dr. Ocholi, wishing him a successful and impactful tenure in office.
Reflecting on TETFund’s impact and continued support through its timely interventions, Prof. Avidime noted that the sustenance and development of tertiary institutions across the country would not have been possible without the consistent interventions of TETFund over the years. He attributed the progress recorded in the sector to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unrelenting commitment and deliberate effort towards sustaining and advancing education in Nigeria.
The Chief Executive promised that the gratitude of the institution to the President and the government of Kogi State would undoubtedly translate into continued support for the administration’s programmes and policies.
Prof. Avidime also presented the institution’s plea to be given foremost consideration in the allocation of TETFund interventions and other developmental opportunities in the State, stressing the Polytechnic’s strategic role in producing skilled manpower and contributing to the socio-economic development of Kogi State.
He appealed to Dr. Ocholi to use his good office to attract greater TETFund attention to the institution, particularly in addressing critical infrastructural needs, completing ongoing projects and providing modern teaching and learning facilities that would further enhance the academic environment.
The Rector assured that any intervention secured for the Polytechnic would be judiciously utilised, expressing optimism that Dr. Ocholi’s appointment would open a new chapter of stronger collaboration between TETFund and Kogi State Polytechnic and translate into tangible development across the institution.
Responding, Dr. Ocholi thanked the Management for the warm welcome accorded him and his entourage, describing Prof. Avidime as not just a distinguished Professor, but also a seasoned administrator, proven bossom big brother and the first institution head from Kogi State to visit him in office immediately after the announcement of his appointment, a gesture he said signalled a bond beyond office.
Speaking on the importance of TETFund to tertiary education in Nigeria, Dr. Ocholi said his journey so far has shown that without TETFund, tertiary institutions in the country would not have been significantly impactful. Commending the President for prioritizing the sector, he stated that “The President deserves profound respect and a loud ovation for his unrelenting support for the continued growth of education in Nigeria through TETFund.”
Dr. Ocholi equally applauded the Governor of Kogi State for his immense support and for always identifying, supporting and promoting sharp minds to work with, especially as clearly reflected in the appointment of Prof. Avidime as the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja. He further pledged his unwavering commitment and support for the re-election of the President and the Governor, respectively.
The TETFund BOT Member also commended the leadership of the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sunday Sylva Togo Echono, OON, describing him as a wonderful personality and a perfectionist whose exceptional ability, intellect and commitment to excellence have continued to redefine TETFund and strengthen its impact on tertiary education in Nigeria.
Speaking further, Dr. Ocholi identified four cardinal points that informed the visit. First, he said, was to familiarise himself with the institution. Secondly, to examine and ascertain challenges affecting projects of high importance. Thirdly, to identify projects that have exceeded their cycle of completion, noting that the presence of professionals in his entourage was to inspect distressed projects and facilitate their completion within the shortest period possible. Finally, he said, was to inspect projects that are ready for commissioning and ascertain their level of quality.
He pledged continued collaboration with Kogi State Polytechnic, assuring the institution of his commitment to strengthening the partnership between TETFund and the Polytechnic and taking education in the State to a higher level than he met it.
In his goodwill message, the Director of Works and Services, Engr. Siyaka Michael Onumoh, commended Dr. Ocholi for his immense drive, vision and commitment to supporting Kogi State Polytechnic in attaining a greater level of infrastructural development. He noted that the Board Member’s visit and expressed readiness to collaborate with the institution offers a promising pathway towards addressing critical developmental needs and strengthening the Polytechnic’s infrastructure.
In another goodwill message, the newly appointed Rector of the Nigeria-Korea Friendship Institute (NKFI), Dr. Onumoh Ahmed Yahaya, lauded Dr. Ocholi’s developmental initiative and commitment to advancing education through strategic interventions. He highlighted the growing number of Nigerian students currently studying in South Korea as a product of the fruitful relationship between both countries, stressing the need for greater institutional support to consolidate the gains already recorded and expand the opportunities available to more students.
He therefore appealed for the consideration of the Institute for integration and support, particularly in areas that would strengthen its capacity to further deliver on its mandate.
Reacting to the appeal, Dr. Ocholi welcomed the initiative and advised that the request be formally presented in writing to the Board for due consideration, assuring that opportunities for meaningful collaboration and institutional development remains open.
The visit ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing readiness for greater collaboration, sustained partnership and stronger institutional support towards advancing tertiary education, infrastructural development and human capital development in Kogi State.
John Amos Onimisi
Ag. Coordinator,
Directorate of Public Relations and Protocols, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
29th August, 2026.
