By Adesakin Adefemi
A fresh industrial crisis is looming at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, following a heated dispute between the management and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, over an alleged threat to the life of the union chairman.
In a statement released on Thursday, ASUP, through Tunde Ayedun, accused the Rector of telling its chairman during a meeting that “his life is tenured,” a remark the union described as threatening and unacceptable.
The union said it had earlier requested an emergency meeting with management to address sundry grievances, but the request was declined on grounds that management officials were attending a party in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Two meetings eventually held on April 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. ASUP alleged that it was during the second meeting that the Rector made the controversial remark, which led to the abrupt end of discussions.
Following the incident, the union issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Rector to withdraw the statement and provide assurances, warning that failure to do so would trigger legal and industrial action. ASUP added that its 14-day notice of strike remains operational.
“The threat has not only sent jitters to the leadership of the chapter but has been perceived to equally require a legal and industrial perspective because matters that relate to life must not be handled with levity,” the union stated.
Reacting swiftly, the Polytechnic management, through spokesman Olayinka Iroye, denied that the Rector threatened anyone. The management described the allegation as “inaccurate, misleading, and does not reflect the true account of proceedings.”
According to Iroye, the Rector’s actual words were: “everything in life is tenured, including our careers and indeed our lives.” He said the remark was “purely philosophical” and conveyed a general truth about the transient nature of human existence, not directed at any individual.
The management further alleged that the meeting was marked by “unguarded, rude utterances and verbal exchanges” directed at the Rector by some ASUP leaders, following earlier tensions involving the Polytechnic Librarian.
While noting ASUP’s concerns, the management reiterated its commitment to dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive engagement.
It appealed to the union to embrace amicable resolution in the interest of peace and industrial harmony, adding that it remains open to further discussions with all stakeholders.
