Federal Poly Offa Faces Possible Strike as ASUP Fumes Over Off-Site Council Meetings

Tension is rising at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, in Kwara State as the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) threatens industrial action over the Governing Council’s decision to hold meetings outside the school campus.

According to a statement released Thursday by ASUP’s branch chairman, Dr. Idowu Atilola, the union is demanding the immediate cancellation of a council meeting currently taking place in Lagos. They’re also asking for a public apology from the council to the entire Polytechnic community.

The union strongly criticized the practice of hosting council meetings away from the school’s premises, describing it as disrespectful and against standard protocol.

“This started in May, and despite our earlier warnings, the management has continued with this behavior,” the statement read. “It shows a complete disregard for rules and a worrying lack of concern for staff welfare and the institution’s development.”

ASUP further accused the council of ignoring multiple letters of complaint and failing to engage with the union on critical issues affecting the staff and students.

“Even those within the council who were once union leaders, like Engr. Kamoru Kadiri and Engr. Waheed Balogun, has turned a blind eye to these irregularities. The Registrar, who should uphold the rules, seems to have compromised his role for personal benefit,” Atilola said.

The union warned that if their demands are not met—including the immediate cancellation of the Lagos meeting and a formal apology—they would be forced to take drastic action, which could include a strike.

“We will not sit idly by while the very place where we earn a living is gradually being run down,” the statement concluded.

This growing conflict raises fears of a possible disruption in academic activities if the management and council fail to resolve the matter quickly and peacefully.