A dispute has erupted between the management of Bayelsa State Polytechnic and the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) following the issuance of queries to some academic officials over their absence from an Academic Board meeting. Here are the key facts behind the controversy:
1. Management Queried Academic Officials
The management of Bayelsa State Polytechnic issued queries to some Heads of Department, Directors and Deans for allegedly failing to attend an Academic Board meeting held on September 2, 2026.
According to the queries, the officials neither attended the meeting nor provided prior notice or explanations for their absence. Management described the action as an act capable of undermining the institution’s academic progress.
2. ASUP Says Members Followed Union Directive
ASUP rejected the queries, insisting that the affected officials acted in line with a directive issued by the union.
The union explained that it had instructed Heads of Department, Directors and Deans not to attend meetings convened or chaired by the retired former Rector of the institution.
3. The Dispute Centres on the Former Rector
The union maintained that it does not recognise a retired former Rector as the substantive Rector of the polytechnic.
According to ASUP, a retiree who is a member of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners cannot issue directives to serving academic staff. The union argued that such an arrangement is inconsistent with standard practice in Nigerian polytechnics.
4. Management Says There Was No Justification for the Boycott
Management, however, argued that the officials were duly informed about the meeting and received reminders but failed to attend.
It also pointed out that the union had already suspended its strike action following the intervention of the Bayelsa State Government and Governor Douye Diri, maintaining that there was no valid reason for members of the Academic Board to stay away from an important meeting.
The affected officials were directed to submit written explanations within 48 hours or risk disciplinary action.
5. ASUP Wants the Queries Withdrawn
ASUP has demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all queries issued to its members over the matter.
The union warned that it could escalate the dispute through appropriate industrial channels if the queries are not withdrawn, raising the possibility of fresh tensions between staff and management.
What Happens Next?
With management insisting that the officials answer for their absence and ASUP standing firmly behind its members, attention is now on whether both sides can resolve the disagreement through dialogue or whether the dispute will trigger another round of industrial action at the institution.
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