ASUP ADMITS FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC OROGUN INTO NATIONAL BODY

… Rector Hails Milestone as “A Triumph for Staff Welfare and Institutional Harmony”.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has formally admitted the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun (FEPO), Delta State into its national fold, marking a major institutional milestone for the fast-growing Polytechnic. The admission took place during the 18th National Delegates Conference (NDC) held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State.

With this development, FEPO-alongside five other newly admitted chapters, concluded its two-year observer status, having fulfilled all statutory prerequisites, including the payment of intent fees. The national admission exercise saw a total of twenty-eight chapters admitted across the country, with Zone A taking eleven, Zone B seven, Zone C four, and Zone D six, including institutions such as the College of Health Technology, Ofuoma; Federal Polytechnic Ohodo, Enugu State; Federal Polytechnic Ugep, Cross River State; and the International Institute of Tourism, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Reacting to the announcement, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Duke Okoro, gave a stirring and visionary response, describing the admission as “a triumph for institutional harmony and an evidence to FEPO’s unwavering commitment to staff welfare and participatory governance.”

The Rector, himself a long-standing advocate of unionism, emphasized that staff unions remain indispensable partners in building resilient academic institutions. “At Federal Polytechnic Orogun, we have never seen unions as antagonists but as strategic allies. Our belief is simple: when management and unions work in synergy, the Polytechnic system flourishes,” he said.

Prof. Okoro noted that the admission validates FEPO’s culture of shared responsibility and mutual respect. “This recognition by ASUP is not just a union milestone—it is a reflection of the values we uphold. Staff welfare, open dialogue, and collective problem-solving remain the bedrock of our progress as an institution,” he added.

He further assured continued support for the union, stating: “Management is committed to deepening collaboration with ASUP. Together, we will advance the ideals of quality service, academic excellence, and staff empowerment.”

The pioneering Chairman of ASUP-FEPO Chapter, Dr. John O. Atake, expressed delight at the development. “It is a new dawn. After two years on observer status, we are grateful to God, grateful to the Management who treat us as partners, and grateful to our staff for their loyalty and support,” he said.

He confirmed that, with this recognition, the chapter has received clearance to conduct its maiden election in January 2026, as endorsed by Zone D Coordinator, Dr. Richard Iloma.

The Deputy Rector (Academic), Dr. Efetobor O. Elijah, applauded the milestone, describing it as “a strong institutional endorsement and an affirmation of FEPO’s administrative maturity.”
“This admission strengthens our collective resolve. It affirms that FEPO is growing in the right direction—guided by structure, discipline, and a deep respect for staff representation,” he said.
He commended the union executives for their resilience and described the development as one that “cements FEPO’s voice within the national academic community.”

The Registrar, Mrs. Christine Aluyi, said the admission would contribute significantly to the stability and orderly growth of the Polytechnic. “A recognised union structure helps in deepening institutional order and communication. This milestone aligns with our administrative principles of transparency, engagement, and accountability,” she noted.

She also praised the pioneering ASUP team for “demonstrating uncommon patience and leadership throughout the process.”

The Polytechnic Librarian, Prof. Achugbue I. Edwin, described the development as a catalyst for scholarly growth within the institution. “Unions play a critical role in elevating academic discourse. Their participation enriches scholarship, enhances professional development, and strengthens the intellectual climate of the Polytechnic,” he said.

With its admission into ASUP’s national framework, FEPO now becomes a full voting and decision-making member of the union, paving the way for greater staff representation, improved institutional synergy, and deeper participation in national policy discussions within the Polytechnic system.

Staff across the institution have hailed the development as a significant win for collective aspiration, staff empowerment, and FEPO’s rising national profile as one of Nigeria’s most progressive and union-friendly Polytechnics.