A group of concerned members and stakeholders of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic Ayede Chapter, has petitioned the union’s national leadership, calling for urgent intervention over what they described as a growing crisis of confidence in the chapter’s leadership.
In a petition dated June 5, 2026, and addressed to the National President of ASUP through the South-West/Kwara Zonal Coordinator, the aggrieved members accused the chapter chairman, Mr. Taiwo Richard, of steering the union away from its core mandate of protecting members’ welfare, defending academic integrity and promoting industrial harmony.
The petitioners alleged that since Richard assumed office, the chapter had become increasingly divided, with members expressing dissatisfaction over the leadership’s handling of key issues affecting academic staff.
According to the petition, one of the major concerns is the alleged involvement of the chapter leadership in public discussions surrounding accusations of financial misconduct against some academic staff and former officials of the institution.
The petitioners claimed that through media publications and public commentaries, names of academic staff were linked to controversies involving TETFund-sponsored programmes such as Institutional Based Research (IBR), Fabrication Grants and Conference Sponsorships.
They argued that such actions exposed union members to reputational damage and public scrutiny despite the absence of publicly established findings by relevant investigative or judicial authorities.
“The fundamental duty of ASUP leadership is to defend the rights, welfare and dignity of its members while advocating accountability through established procedures,” the petition stated.
The concerned members further expressed disappointment over what they described as the chapter leadership’s silence during critical developments affecting the institution, including controversies surrounding the suspension of the Acting Rector.
They maintained that members had expected the union to provide principled leadership anchored on fairness, due process and institutional stability.
The petition also revealed growing discontent among members, claiming that more than 80 members had expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration of the chapter.
According to the document, some members are reportedly considering withdrawing their membership due to concerns that the leadership has become detached from the collective interests and welfare of academic staff.
The petitioners warned that the prevailing perception among members is that the chapter leadership’s priorities may no longer align with the union’s objectives, a situation they said could threaten the unity, credibility and sustainability of ASUP within the institution.
They further noted that trust between members and the chapter leadership had deteriorated, resulting in suspicion, polarization and hostility among colleagues.
Consequently, the group urged the national and zonal leadership of ASUP to investigate the activities of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede Chapter leadership and determine whether its actions conform with the union’s constitution, ethics and established traditions.
Among other demands, the petitioners requested a review of the chapter chairman’s conduct regarding public statements and media engagements involving union members, an assessment of whether exposing members in matters still under investigation aligns with ASUP’s ethical principles, and the imposition of appropriate disciplinary measures if any violations are established.
They also called for immediate steps to restore confidence, unity and responsible leadership within the chapter.
The petitioners stressed that ASUP’s long-standing reputation, built through decades of advocacy for academic staff welfare and institutional development, should not be undermined by actions capable of portraying the union as a platform for personal conflicts or internal persecution.
They expressed confidence that the national leadership would treat the matter with the urgency required to safeguard the integrity and future of the union at Federal Polytechnic Ayede and beyond.
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