Cultists Risk 10-Year Jail Term in Kwara-Gov Ahmed

By Bisi Adedayo, Ilorin

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has warned students in the state owned tertiary institutions against cultism, stating that anyone caught would be jailed for 10 years without an option of fine.

The Governor read the riot Act while speaking at the 23rd combined Convocation Ceremony of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, on Saturday.

Governor Ahmed, who declared that his administration has zero tolerance for cultism and cult activities in and outside the school campuses, counseled parents to caution their children and wards on heinous act.

He said: “While most students are responsible and focused on achieving success in education, a small minority chooses to indulge in negative and criminal behavior such as cultism.

“Let me make this very clear. My administration has no tolerance for cultism and related activities within and outside academic institutions. Anyone found guilty of involvement in such illegality risks a 10 jail term, a hefty fine and rustication”.

“Consequently, parents, guardians and others members of society must keep an eye on their wards and report unusual behavior or movement to security agencies for investigation.

“Let me re-emphasize that education remains a top priority for this administration in line with recognition of functional educational as a key ingredient of development and growth. Therefore, we will continue to create an enabling environment for learning and support educational institutions across the State.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Polytechnic Rector, Alhaji Mas’ud Elelu commended the state government for the release of bailout fund to pay staff salaries as at when due.

He maintained that the school management led by him does not owe any staff salary arrears till date, adding that the institution was able to meet its financial obligations through prompt release of subvention from the government.

A total of 48,761 graduands were convocated at the ceremony comprising 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 academic sessions.