Staff members of the Federal Polytechnic Bida have accused the institution’s management of plotting to divert about ₦1.1 billion in personnel funds meant for workers’ welfare to settle controversial supplier claims linked to a previous administration.
Several employees of the institution told reporters that senior officials allegedly agreed to repurpose the funds, which are reportedly sufficient to clear long-standing staff arrears, but demanded a significant share of the money in return.
According to one source, management officials allegedly proposed that 40 per cent of the funds be taken as kickbacks, while only 60 per cent would be used to address workers’ outstanding entitlements.
The workers claimed that internal disclosures from staff familiar with the school’s financial records exposed the alleged arrangement, including the involvement of an officer within the salary unit.
Staff pressure, however, is said to be complicating the plan, particularly attempts to use the personnel funds to pay suppliers for contracts that employees believe are fraudulent.
“We are insisting that the money should not be used to pay suppliers because those claims are not legitimate,” one staff member said. “Such matters should be handed over to anti-corruption agencies instead of being quietly settled with workers’ funds.”
The allegations come amid persistent complaints over unpaid entitlements owed to staff of the polytechnic. A petition written by the workers and obtained by reporters revealed that the institution owes promotion arrears for 2017, 2024 and 2025, alongside unpaid salary increment arrears of 25 and 35 per cent covering a 12-month period. The petition also cited cases of staff omitted from previous payments.
According to the petition, the ₦1.1 billion personnel fund is enough to clear all outstanding arrears, but is allegedly being earmarked for supplier payments tied to a former administration.
The workers compared the situation with practices in other federal institutions, noting that universities such as Obafemi Awolowo University have reportedly used similar funds to clear staff arrears and salary increment backlogs.
“At Federal Polytechnic Bida, the intention appears to be different,” a source alleged. “They want to siphon the money instead of prioritising staff welfare.”
The workers have called for urgent intervention by the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Assembly and anti-corruption agencies, warning that any diversion of personnel funds raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability and respect for workers’ rights.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Federal Polytechnic Bida had not responded to requests for comment. Repeated calls and text messages sent to the Rector, Dr Baba Aliyu, were not returned.
