Federal Poly Offa debunks Students’ Union Claims, reiterates the School Position

Says less than 3000 students have paid school fees out of close to Twenty Thousand population

Allegations of poor sanitation, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient security are unfounded and do not reflect the reality on ground – Says Management

The Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State has condemned the institution’s Students’ Union of what its described as unlawful action of locking the Polytechnic gates, disrupting academic and administrative activities.

In a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Olayinka Iroye, the management frowns at obstruction of access to the institution, which prevent staff, students, and visitors from entering the campus due to some students who fails to pay their school fees or participate in the Mid-Semester Continuous Assessment.

The school management describes the action as unacceptable, unjustifiable, and alien to the academic culture of the institution.

It explains that issues raised in the letter released to the public by the Students’ Union Government, SUG, are false, exaggerated, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, serving as a cover for the refusal of some students to pay their school fees since 8th December 2025 and to sit for the scheduled continuous assessment.

As at the time of this report, less than 3000 students have paid the school fees out of close to twenty thousand population.

The management also states that the claim that the Polytechnic Medical Centre is deplorable is untrue as the Medical Centre was recently renovated through the intervention of TETFund and well equipped with modern and up-to-date medical facilities with adequate drugs as well as well staffed with qualified medical personnel, operating 24-hour medical services with standby ambulance services available to respond to emergencies and referrals when necessary at both campuses.

On the T-SHIP Scheme, the management of the Federal Polytechnic Offa emphasized that the health insurance premium, forms part of the approved school fees. Hence , Students who have not paid their school fees cannot expect to benefit from services that are funded through those payments.

It says it is therefore misleading to suggest that the scheme is ineffective when many of those complaining have not fulfilled their financial obligations.

“Furthermore, the attempt by the Students’ Union President to unilaterally terminate the contract of the current Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), and introduce another HMO is outside his authority. The appointment and termination of service providers follow due process and contractual agreements. The existing HMO’s contract is still subsisting, and no individual or group has the power to arbitrarily override established procedures”, the management affirmed.The management argues that the claim of inadequate classrooms is equally fallacious as the Polytechnic has sufficient classrooms and lecture halls across both campuses.

“The hostels operate 24 hours during academic sessions. Water and electricity are available round the clock which cost the Polytechnic more than ten millions per month. Hostel Supervisors, Wardens, cleaners, and security personnel operate on shifts to ensure proper maintenance and safety”, it maintained.

“The Polytechnic runs one of the best hostel facilities among comparable institutions. The hostels were recently renovated some through TETFund interventions and others through the institution’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

It also states that the allegations of poor sanitation, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient security are unfounded and do not reflect the reality on ground.

“It is noteworthy that despite the fact that only a handful of students have paid their school fees, Management still attended to the request of the Students’ Union Executive for an official vehicle. The Polytechnic went out of its way to purchase a brand-new vehicle for the Union at a cost of several millions of naira to support their operations. This demonstrates Management’s commitment to constructive engagement and support for student leadership”, it added.

The Management reiterates that dialogue remains the appropriate channel for resolving issues, as intimidation, misinformation, and disruption of institutional activities will not be tolerated.