Federal Poly Offa gives Accountability, Denies Alleged Misappropriation Report

Affirms Commitment to transparency in Financial and Administrative matters

By: Aminah Salako – Adekunle 

The Federal Polytechnic Offa, has denied misappropriation of funds levelled against the school management by its Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic, ASUP.

While speaking with Nigerian News Times the Head, Information and Public Relations, Olayinka Iroye, explained that the report published by a national newspaper regarding the institution is untrue and misleading.

It explains that the ₦500 million in question was only a proposed budget, collated by the Director of Academic Planning at the request of Management for presentation to the Governing Council, as required by due process.

“The attention of the Management of The Federal Polytechnic Offa, has been drawn to a publication by Daily Post
on August 11, 2025 titled “Federal Poly Offa: ASUP decries N500m accreditation fraud.” The story, which heavily referenced statements by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Offa Chapter, is not only misleading but unfair to the institution, its management, and the hard-earned reputation it has built over the years” the statement said.

It adds that the institution is scheduled for the accreditation of 61 Programmes, not 21 as reported.

The Statement explains that the initial submissions from various departments for the forthcoming accreditation exercise amounted to approximately ₦900 million, which was reduced after diligent review.

“However, in line with the Polytechnic’s well-known tradition of financial prudence and accountability, the figure was meticulously reviewed and significantly reduced to about ₦500 million without compromising the quality and standards required for the exercise.

“Out of this amount, over ₦300 million has been earmarked for the purchase of modern, high-quality equipment spread across all academic departments. These includes Engineering Technology, Applied Sciences, Food Technology, Mass Communication, Computer Science Technology, Management Studies, and other relevant fields.

“This strategic investment will not only meet the NBTE’s accreditation requirements but will also strengthen the Polytechnic’s teaching, learning, and research capabilities for years to come”, he said.

It explains that statutory accreditation fees will be fully paid as mandated by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), while the remaining funds will cover essential logistics, such as transportation, hotel accommodation, feeding, and other necessary arrangements for the 85 NBTE-appointed Resource Persons who will be visiting the Polytechnic to conduct the rigorous accreditation exercise.

“When these figures are carefully broken down, it becomes evident that the budget is neither excessive nor wasteful. On the contrary, it reflects a balanced, well-considered, and responsible approach to meeting accreditation needs while ensuring the judicious use of public resources. Indeed, when benchmarked against similar large-scale accreditation exercises conducted by other institutions nationwide, the Polytechnic’s proposed budget stands out as reasonable, transparent, and value-driven”, it clarified.

The statement emphasizes that the accreditation budget is subject to scrutiny at multiple levels from Department, Management, Governing Council, TETFund, to NBTE, making any such alleged fraud impossible.

“Disbursements are made in line with federal financial regulations, all of which are subject to internal audit, external audit, and oversight by relevant government agencies.

“Contrary to the claim that the Polytechnic is “degenerating,” the institution under the current Rector, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Kadiri, has recorded unprecedented infrastructural and academic development in just over two and a half years. Among these are: Completion and commissioning of multiple TETFund-sponsored lecture halls, laboratories, and offices.

. Upgrading of ICT infrastructure, including the introduction of e-learning platforms.

. Expansion of academic programmes and securing full accreditation for several existing ones.

. Improved staff welfare in the face of limited government funding and many more.

It affirms that the Polytechnic has consistently demonstrated transparency in financial and administrative matters, and maintaining full compliance with public procurement and accounting regulations.

The Management appeals to media outlets to ensure balance in their reportage by verifying facts from all parties before publication, just as the focused on its mandate of producing skilled, competent, and morally upright graduates, and will not be distracted by unfounded allegations.