The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Federal Polytechnic Ngodo Isuochi chapter in Abia State, has threatened to petition anti-graft agencies over the alleged diversion of funds meant for a borehole project in the institution.
The union accused the management of the polytechnic of allegedly transferring funds approved for the project into a personal account.
The threat was contained in resolutions reached at the end of the union’s congress and communicated to the management through the Rector of the institution, Dr. Paul-Darlington Ibezim Ndubuisi.
The petition, jointly signed by the union’s Chairman, Comrade Ador Osondu, and Secretary, Comrade Onyeneke Ejike, was issued on Friday.
ASUP called on the management to immediately commission an independent audit of the borehole project funds and provide the union with a detailed financial statement.
The union warned that failure to comply would force it to formally petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and other relevant authorities.
“The Congress of this Union has passed a resolution strongly condemning the alleged diversion or transfer of funds approved and earmarked for the construction and installation of a borehole facility into a personal account,” the statement partly read.
It added that if the allegation was confirmed, such action would amount to a violation of public financial management regulations and a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
Aside from the alleged fund diversion, the union also accused the management of failing to implement key staff welfare and statutory obligations.
Among the issues raised were the alleged refusal to facilitate National Housing Fund sensitisation and enrolment for staff, non-enrolment of workers under the National Health Insurance Authority scheme, and non-remittance of union check-off dues from February 2026 till date.
The union further alleged diversion of staff welfare packages for 2023, 2024 and 2025, as well as the absence of essential drugs and medical supplies at the institution’s health centre.
ASUP subsequently issued a 21-day ultimatum to the management to address all the concerns raised or face possible industrial action.
The union, however, stated that it remained open to dialogue and negotiations within the stipulated period.
“We demand that management takes immediate and concrete steps to resolve all the issues raised within 21 days of receiving this letter. Failure to comply will compel the union to activate all lawful trade union mechanisms to press home our demands, including industrial action,” the statement added.
