By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
As the crisis continues, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Kaduna Polytechnic chapter, Engr. Abubakar Jibrin Abdullahi, stated that the Union firmly opposes the institution’s management regarding the sale of Kaduna Polytechnic’s properties.
Engr. Abdullahi clarified the Union’s stance on the ongoing dispute, which stems from a petition filed by aggrieved staff against the school authorities over the alleged illegal sale of federal government-owned properties belonging to the institution.
“ASUP is against the sale of Kaduna Polytechnic’s institutional properties, whether located within or outside the institution,” he stated.
The Chairman recalled that, “At an Emergency Congress meeting on December 6, 2022, Congress resolved that Kaduna Polytechnic’s properties are not for sale, now or in the future.”
He explained that in 2011, some resident staff members requested a lease arrangement for housing in the quarters. However, former Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Amma Pepple, clarified that these properties were not for sale, as they were reserved for expansion and future development. This position was communicated to the institution through a newsletter.
Engr. Abdullahi further alleged, “This time, the management, along with some resident staff, sought to acquire institutional assets under the pretext of the 2005 Monetization Policy in Lagos, Nigeria. The Union opposed this attempt and informed the Honourable Minister of Education. In a response dated January 20, 2023, the Permanent Secretary confirmed that these properties are not for sale or lease.”
Despite the official directive, Engr. Abdullahi claimed that both management and resident staff ignored the order, prompting the Union to take the matter to the Federal High Court in Kaduna. The case involves the institution’s management, the Governing Council, the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC), and the Attorney General of the Federation. “To the best of our knowledge, only the President has the authority to lease or sell federal government properties,” he stated, adding that no documentation from former President Muhammadu Buhari was provided to support the sale.
Engr. Abdullahi described the situation as a calculated attempt to defraud the institution of its assets. The Union and some residents have also petitioned the National Assembly (NASS) for intervention.
“There is rising tension between some staff and external parties, as well as between resident staff who have been ejected and denied purchase rights,” the ASUP Chairman continued.
He provided historical context, noting, “The institution was established by the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello. Initially a technical institute, it later became a polytechnic owned by the 19 Northern states. All properties purchased by the institution still list Kaduna Polytechnic as the owner on the Certificates of Occupancy.”
A White Paper from January 20, 2008, clarified that institution-owned properties are exempt from sale or lease. “Due to my opposition, the management suspended Union activities under the guise of addressing a factional group in May 2024, suspended my employment, and later terminated my appointment illegally. However, the immediate past Minister of Education addressed the situation after the National ASUP filed a petition. My termination was withdrawn in March 2024.”
Engr. Abdullahi suggested contacting Freedom Radio Kaduna and Brekete Family for further information, mentioning Alhaji Ahmed Isah.
It should be recalled that some aggrieved staff have petitioned the polytechnic’s management, urging the National Assembly to ensure justice in the matter. They requested the suspension of the Rector, Dr. Suleiman Umar, and two other officials—AbdulRahman Usman Tanko and Mr. Abubakar Isa Jibrin—to facilitate an impartial investigation, alleging that these individuals may be destroying records to obstruct a thorough probe.
