Kwara: Fresh industrial crisis looms at Federal Poly Offa
Conflict Erupts at Federal Polytechnic Offa Over Alleged Threats
A dispute has arisen at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, between the management and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP). The union has accused the institution’s rector of making threats against its chairman and failing to address various grievances.
In a statement released by union spokesman Tunde Ayedun, ASUP claimed that a request for an emergency meeting was rejected by management, citing attendance at an event in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The two subsequent meetings, held on April 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., reportedly escalated tensions. According to the union, the rector stated that the union chairman’s “life is tenured,” which led to the abrupt conclusion of the second meeting.
ASUP has since issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the rector to retract the alleged threat or face a 14-day strike notice. The union expressed that such threats are serious and warrant legal and industrial consideration, emphasizing that issues of life should not be taken lightly.
“The Central Executive Council is particularly concerned that threats have become the management’s standard response to the union’s grievances,” the statement read. “We request a clear retraction of the statement within 48 hours, or we will consider legal and industrial remedies.”
In a response, the management of the Federal Polytechnic denied the allegations. Spokesman Olayinka Iroye stated that at no point during the meetings did the rector threaten anyone. He described the remarks attributed to the rector regarding the transient nature of life as a philosophical observation, not a threat.
“The comments made were not directed at any individual and were intended to reflect a universal truth,” Iroye said. He also noted that the meetings experienced unguarded verbal exchanges from some members of ASUP, following prior tensions with the Polytechnic Librarian.
The management emphasized the need for clarity to prevent misinformation and to maintain stability within the institution. They reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing dialogue and constructive engagement in resolving outstanding issues.
“We appeal to ASUP for an amicable resolution in the interest of peace and industrial harmony,” the statement concluded, stressing the management’s openness to discussions that foster a productive working relationship with all stakeholders.
