FEDPOFFA Management Clears Air On Council Meeting Outside Premises, Retracts Security Reference

Says Communication Not Intended to Disparage Offa or Undermine Its Reputation

The management of the Federal Polytechnic Offa has reacted to the reactions generated by the recent statement issued on the temporary holding of Governing Council meetings outside the Polytechnic premises.

The reaction was contained in a clarification and retraction note signed by the Polytechnic Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Iroye.

The release reads:

“Management have noted with concern that certain portions of the statement, particularly the references to security challenges in Kwara South and the safety of late night movements, have been misconstrued and interpreted as a declaration that Offa or The Federal Polytechnic Offa is unsafe. This was neither the intention nor the position of Management.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, Management did not declare Offa unsafe, neither did it declare the Polytechnic premises unsafe for staff, students or members of the public. Management also did not intend to portray Offa as a community associated with insecurity. The reference to security considerations in the earlier statement was made strictly in the context of the precautionary arrangements for Council members who travel from different parts of the country and may have to undertake long distance journeys after meetings that sometimes extend into late evening.

“The decision to hold some meetings in Ilorin was therefore a matter of prudence, convenience, accessibility and logistics in relation to Council members, and should not be interpreted as an adverse assessment of the security status, peace or hospitality of Offa or the Polytechnic community.

“Management recognise and appreciate the peaceful and hospitable nature of Offa and the enormous contributions of the community to the growth and development of The Federal Polytechnic Offa. The Institution remains proud of its relationship with its host community and acknowledges the traditional institution, community leaders, residents and stakeholders for their continued support.

“Accordingly, Management hereby retract any wording in the earlier communication that may have created the impression that Offa, Kwara South or The Federal Polytechnic Offa was being officially characterised as an unsafe environment. Such an interpretation was unintended and does not represent the position of the Management.

“We sincerely regret the concern, discomfort and negative impression which the wording may have caused among the people of Offa, members of the Polytechnic community, Staff Unions, students, parents, partners and other stakeholders.

“The Polytechnic particularly acknowledges the legitimate concern that the safety and welfare of Council members should not be interpreted as being of greater value than the safety and welfare of staff and students. Every member of the Polytechnic community is important, and the safety and wellbeing of all remain paramount.

“Council’s temporary decision to meet outside the Polytechnic should therefore not be construed as an indication that staff or students are being required to operate in an environment that Management considers unsafe. The Polytechnic continues to operate normally, subject to the prevailing security protocols applicable to institutions and communities across the country.

“Management also wishes to emphasise that the earlier communication was not intended to disparage Offa or undermine its reputation as a peaceful, progressive and hospitable community. We therefore appreciate the concerns expressed by the Offa Descendants’ Union, the staff unions and other stakeholders and consider this clarification necessary to put the matter in its proper perspective.

“The Federal Polytechnic Offa remains committed to maintaining a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with its host community, Staff unions, Students, Traditional institutions and all stakeholders.

“We further appeal to all concerned to accept this clarification in the spirit in which it is offered and to avoid further interpretations capable of creating unnecessary tension between the Institution and its host community.

“Offa remains our home, our host community and an important partner in the continued growth and development of The Federal Polytechnic Offa.

“Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”