The Management of Kogi State Polytechnic (KSP), Lokoja, has formally signaled the beginning of the concluding half of the 2025/2026 academic session. In an official administrative circular released from the Office of the Registrar and signed by the Deputy Registrar (Senior Establishment), Mrs. Omaidu A. Comfort, the institution has laid out a clear and definitive timeline for the return of students and the full commencement of academic duties.

As per the directive, the official resumption date is set for Friday, 27th February 2026, with all formal academic activities, including lectures and laboratory practicals, slated to begin across all campuses on Monday, 2nd March 2026. This announcement is more than a mere calendar update; it represents the institutional commitment to maintaining a stable academic calendar, ensuring that students graduate within the stipulated timeframe despite the broader challenges facing the Nigerian higher education sector.

The Strategic Importance of the Resumption Timeline

The choice of a Friday resumption (February 27) followed by a Monday start for lectures (March 2) is a strategic administrative move designed to facilitate a “soft landing” for the student body. This window allows thousands of students traveling from various parts of Kogi State and across the federation to return to Lokoja and the Itakpe campus, settle into their various hostels, and complete domestic arrangements without missing vital introductory lectures.

For a polytechnic that prides itself on technical and vocational proficiency, the second semester is traditionally the more rigorous half of the year. It is during this period that National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) students engage in their most intensive practical work, final-year projects, and preparation for industrial attachments. By ensuring a prompt start on March 2, the institution ensures that faculty members have the maximum possible time to cover the expansive syllabi required for technical accreditation.

Administrative Preparedness and Staff Mobilization

The signing of the resumption circular by the Deputy Registrar (Senior Establishment) underscores the administrative weight behind this notice. It serves as a dual-purpose directive, targeting not only the students but also the academic and non-academic staff. In the days leading up to February 27, the various Schools—ranging from the School of Engineering to the School of Management Studies—are expected to have finalized their departmental lecture timetables.

The management has emphasized that the “Senior Establishment” oversight implies a high level of accountability. Staff members are expected to be at their duty posts to receive students and facilitate the registration processes that typically accompany the start of a new semester. This includes the validation of course forms and the preparation of laboratories for the practical-heavy curriculum that defines the KSP experience.

Guidelines for Students: Navigating the Second Semester

As students prepare to return to the “Confluence State” capital, the polytechnic management has reiterated several key guidelines to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Course Registration and Financial Compliance The second semester usually involves a continuation of the registration process initiated in the first semester. Students must ensure that their portal profiles are updated and that all statutory fees have been settled. Kogi State Polytechnic operates a digitized administrative system where lecture attendance and examination eligibility are often tied to the successful completion of online registration. Students who encountered technical hitches during the first semester are advised to utilize the first few days of resumption to visit the ICT center for resolution.

2. Academic Dedication and Project Phase For final-year students (ND II and HND II), the second semester marks the critical phase of their Research Projects. The management encourages these students to resume with their preliminary data and literature reviews ready, as the project defense timelines are strictly enforced to meet the requirements of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

3. Safety and Campus Conduct The security unit of the polytechnic has been placed on high alert to ensure a safe environment for returning students. The institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy for social vices, including cultism, examination malpractice, and any form of harassment. Students are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the campus security posts.

The Itakpe Campus and Inter-Campus Synergy

Kogi State Polytechnic operates a multi-campus system, with the Itakpe campus housing several key engineering and technological departments. The March 2 commencement date applies uniformly across all institutional sites. The management has worked to ensure that the transport and logistical links between the Lokoja main campus and the Itakpe site are optimized for the resumption period, allowing for the seamless movement of staff who may have cross-campus teaching responsibilities.

The Itakpe campus, known for its focus on Mineral and Petroleum Resources Engineering, as well as other core technical disciplines, is expected to see a significant influx of students. The facilities there, including workshops and the library, have undergone routine maintenance during the short break to ensure they are ready for the high-intensity practical sessions characteristic of the second semester.

Institutional Goals: Beyond the Classroom

Under the current leadership, Kogi State Polytechnic has moved beyond traditional classroom instruction to prioritize innovation and self-reliance. The second semester will likely see a continuation of various entrepreneurship programs designed to equip students with skills beyond their primary fields of study. The resumption on February 27 is the first step in this continued journey of holistic student development.

The Rector and the Academic Board have extended their best wishes to all students for a safe journey back to the polytechnic. They have charged the student body to resume with a renewed sense of purpose, reminding them that the hard work invested in this semester will pave the way for their professional success in the labor market.

Final Checklist for Returning Students

To ensure they hit the ground running on March 2, students should consider the following:

• Confirm your hostel accommodation status if you reside on campus.

• Ensure your student ID card is valid or apply for a replacement if lost.

• Review the revised lecture timetable which will be posted at the departmental notice boards.

• Prepare your academic materials (textbooks, drawing instruments, and lab coats) in advance.

The management remains committed to providing a conducive atmosphere for learning and research. As the gate of the polytechnic swings open on February 27, it marks the start of a final push toward excellence for the 2025/2026 academic year.