Fresh Crisis Looms at Federal Poly Offa Over Alleged Rector Threat

A fresh dispute is brewing between management and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, after the union accused the institution's Rector of threatening its chapter chairman. In a statement issued on behalf of the union by Tunde Ayedun, ASUP alleged that a request for an emergency meeting with management was initially turned down, reportedly on the grounds that management officials were attending an event in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Two meetings eventually took place on April 20, 2026, at 10am and 3pm. According to the union, the Rector told the union chairman during the second meeting that "his life is tenured" — a remark it says led to the abrupt end of the meeting. Following the alleged incident, the union issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that the Rector withdraw the statement, warning that failure to do so would trigger a 14-day strike notice. In its statement, ASUP described the remark as unsettling to its leadership and said it viewed the matter as one requiring both legal and industrial consideration. "The Union is hereby requesting an unequivocal withdrawal of the life-threatening statement by the Rector with assurances within 48hours or instant consideration would be given to legal and industrial remedies," the union said, adding that its 14-day strike notice remained in effect regardless of the outcome. Polytechnic management swiftly disputed the union's account. In a statement issued by institution spokesperson Olayinka Iroye, management said the Rector did not comment on the meetings that could reasonably be interpreted as a threat to anyone's life, describing the union's allegation as "inaccurate, misleading" and not reflective of what actually transpired. According to management, the Rector's actual comment that "everything in life is tenured, including our careers and indeed our lives" was a general philosophical remark about the transient nature of human existence, not directed at any individual or intended as a threat. Management further claimed that, contrary to the union's narrative, the meeting had instead involved unguarded and rude remarks directed at the Rector by some ASUP leaders, stemming from earlier tensions linked to matters involving the Polytechnic Librarian. It said the clarification was necessary to prevent misinformation from spreading and to avoid unnecessary escalation of tensions on campus. Despite the dispute, management reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement, appealing to ASUP to pursue an amicable resolution. "We therefore appeal to ASUP to embrace amicable resolution in the interest of peace, industrial harmony, and the continued progress of the Polytechnic. Management remains open to further discussions aimed at sustaining a cordial and productive working relationship with all stakeholders," the statement read.