The Management of the Federal Polytechnic Offa has explained the circumstances surrounding the recent holding of a Committee of Council meeting in Lagos, following concerns raised by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), The Federal Polytechnic Offa Chapter.
In a statement signed by the institution’s Information and Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Iroye, the Management said it had “received and carefully considered the content of a recent release circulated by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), The Federal Polytechnic Offa Chapter, regarding the holding of a Committee of Council meeting in Lagos.”
The statement stressed that “the Committee meeting held in Lagos was not a full Governing Council meeting, but a Committee of Council meeting, which, by convention, is smaller in scope and may be held outside the institution when compelling circumstances exist.”
According to Management, “in this instance, the Chairman of the Governing Council, who was to preside over the meeting, was indisposed to travel long distances, especially to Offa. Holding the meeting in Lagos, was therefore a matter of compassion, necessity, and continuity ensuring Council activities were not stalled unnecessarily.”
It further explained that “the meeting’s location was influenced by prevailing logistical realities at that time, and the institution acted with discretion and prudence.”
On cost implications, Management maintained that “holding the meeting in Lagos was not extravagant. On the contrary, it was more cost-effective and logistically sensible for many members. For instance, Council Committee members from the Northwest region (notably Kano axis) were able to fly directly to Lagos, thereby avoiding the energy-draining and expensive route of Kano–Abuja–Ilorin–Offa, which would have required two connecting flights and a road journey.”
The statement noted that “holding Council or Committee meetings outside the host institution is not without precedent,” listing examples such as “an Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Council held in Abuja on 28th April 2006,” “the 10th Regular Meeting of the 4th Governing Council held at the NBTE Liaison Office, Abuja,” “the 6th Governing Council meeting at the NBTE Liaison Office in Abuja on 17th and 18th November, 2021,” and “the 7th Regular meeting equally held at the same venue on 9th March, 2023.”
Reaffirming commitment to staff welfare, Management stated: “Despite national economic challenges, Management continues to explore all avenues to enhance staff well-being, including allowances-related matters, arrears, training opportunities, and working conditions. Some issues may appear slow to resolve, but that is largely due to systemic and financial realities, not neglect or disregard.”
On ASUP’s claim that the Council had “refused to give audience” to the Union or ignored its letters, the Management described it as “unfounded,” saying: “Every official correspondence is taken seriously, and appropriate actions are being taken. However, it is crucial that all communications follow institutional protocols and timelines, as Council matters require process and consultation, not instant decisions.”
While expressing willingness for continued dialogue, the Management stressed: “The Management and Council are open to continued dialogue, engagement, and mutual understanding with all stakeholders, ASUP inclusive.”
It, however, cautioned against disrespectful remarks: “Management however strongly frowns at the personal and derogatory remarks directed at respected Council members and management. These individuals are public servants with decades of integrity and service. They deserve to be engaged with dignity, even when there are differences of opinion.”
The statement urged the Union to avoid “innuendo, name-calling or public condemnation,” and to “uphold decorum and use established channels for engagement.”
On the Union’s warning that it “cannot guarantee industrial peace,” Management said: “The statement that ‘the Union cannot guarantee industrial peace’ is deeply concerning. Management calls for restraint, patriotism, and cooperation, as threats of unrest will serve no one’s interest, especially not the staff, students, or the broader Polytechnic community.”
The statement concluded with a call for unity: “ASUP is encouraged to join hands with Management and Council in building a stronger institution through mature engagement, mutual respect, and collective responsibility. Let us channel our energy into the progress of our great Polytechnic and avoid distractions that may harm its image or disrupt its growth.”