The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) at Federal Polytechnic, Bida, alongside the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Senate, has strongly opposed the administration’s move to employ external personnel to oversee the ongoing second semester examinations amid the lecturers’ strike action.
Investigations by LEADERSHIP have uncovered that despite the industrial dispute initiated by the teaching staff-who are protesting the non-payment of their allowances-the polytechnic authorities proceeded with the semester-end exams.
Kolo Joshua, chairman of ASUP Bida, issued a stern warning against the intended use of these external invigilators, emphasizing that the striking lecturers would reject such measures outright.
In an official statement, he remarked, “Our union has been made aware of plans to bring in unfamiliar individuals to supervise the examinations, people who lack the necessary knowledge and connection to our academic environment.”
He further clarified, “We want the public to understand that our members will neither endorse nor grade any exam scripts that are not monitored by our qualified staff. We disclaim any responsibility for irregularities arising from such unauthorized examinations. As custodians of academic integrity, we are dedicated to upholding rigorous examination standards and ensuring proper conduct throughout the process.”
Joshua added, “Members of ASUP Bida serving on the Academic Board will not compromise on the excellence we are recognized for. We urge all members to refrain from participating in these exams, especially in light of the recent security warnings issued by the institution’s management.”
In a related development, NAPS president Oyewumi Festus Ayomide and clerk Jimoh Ibrahim accused the polytechnic’s administration of deploying military personnel to oversee the exams.
The Students’ Senate issued a strong condemnation of the Rector’s decision to involve armed forces in examination supervision within the campus.
Responding to these allegations, the polytechnic’s Rector, Engineer Baba Aliyu, denied that soldiers had been assigned to invigilate the exams.
He questioned, “Who would accept soldiers as exam supervisors? It’s simply unimaginable.”
While acknowledging the lecturers’ grievances regarding unpaid allowances, the Rector revealed that a council committee has been established to investigate the claims and seek a possible resolution.
