Alleged ₦500m accreditation fraud: Your report is misleading

The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, has refuted a report published by Daily Post on August 11, 2025, which alleged a ₦500 million accreditation fraud within the institution.

In a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Olayinka Iroye, the Polytechnic described the report, credited to the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Offa Chapter, as misleading and damaging to the reputation of the institution.

According to the statement, the Polytechnic is scheduled for the accreditation of 61 programmes, not 21 as claimed.

It explained that the ₦500 million referenced in the report was only a proposed budget, collated by the Director of Academic Planning at the request of management, for presentation to the Governing Council.

Management further clarified that initial departmental submissions for the exercise amounted to about ₦900 million, but this was reviewed and reduced to approximately ₦500 million in line with the institution’s tradition of financial prudence.

The management explained that, of the proposed sum, more than ₦300 million has been earmarked for the purchase of modern equipment across various departments, including Engineering Technology, Applied Sciences, Food Technology, Mass Communication, Computer Science, and Management Studies.

The funds will also cover statutory accreditation fees to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and logistics for 85 NBTE-appointed Resource Persons.

“When these figures are broken down, it becomes evident that the budget is neither excessive nor wasteful,” the Polytechnic stated. “On the contrary, it reflects a balanced and responsible approach to meeting accreditation needs while ensuring the judicious use of public resources.” it added.

The institution stressed that the accreditation committee is largely made up of ASUP members by virtue of their roles as Deans, Heads of Departments, and senior academic staff, dismissing claims that union representation was sidelined.

It also rejected allegations that the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Kadiri, or the Director of Academic Planning sought to divert funds, describing such insinuations as “false, malicious, and damaging.”

The management noted that all financial disbursements undergo scrutiny at several levels, including the Governing Council, TETFund, and NBTE, and are subject to both internal and external audits in line with federal financial regulations.

Highlighting recent achievements under the current Rector, the statement pointed to the completion of TETFund-sponsored lecture halls, laboratories, and offices, the upgrade of ICT infrastructure, expansion of academic programmes, and improvements in staff welfare.

On the issue of “entitlement packages for outgoing principal officers” raised by ASUP, the institution clarified that it was only a request before the Governing Council and not an approved policy.

The Polytechnic however urged DailyPost and other media outlets to ensure balanced and fact-based reporting to preserve public trust.

“The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, remains focused on its mandate of producing skilled, competent, and morally upright graduates, and will not be distracted by unfounded allegations,” the statement concluded.