ASUP Threatens EFCC, ICPC Action Over Alleged Borehole Fund Diversion at Federal Polytechnic Ngodo

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) chapter at Federal Polytechnic Ngodo Isuochi in Abia State has vowed to take the institution’s management to anti-graft agencies. The union plans to approach the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) over suspicions that funds for a borehole project were diverted into a personal account.

This threat emerged from six resolutions passed during the union’s recent congress. The demands were formally communicated to the management via a petition addressed to the Rector, Dr. Paul-Darlington Ibezim Ndubuisi. The document was signed by the union chairman, Comrade Ador Osondu, and the secretary, Comrade Onyeneke Ejike, on Friday.

The union urged the management to urgently commission an independent audit of the borehole project funds. They also demanded a full financial statement, warning that failure to comply would force them to petition the ICPC, EFCC, and other relevant authorities.

In the letter, the union strongly condemned the alleged diversion of funds approved for the construction and installation of a borehole facility. They argued that if proven, such conduct represents a flagrant breach of public financial management principles and constitutes a criminal offence under existing Nigerian laws.

“The Congress of this Union has passed a resolution strongly condemning the alleged diversion or transfer of funds approved and earmarked for the construction and installation of a borehole facility at this institution into a personal account. If substantiated, this conduct represents a flagrant breach of public financial management principles and constitutes a criminal offence under extant Nigerian statutes,” the letter read.

“The Union demands that Management immediately commission an independent audit of the borehole project funds and furnish the Union with a full financial statement. Failure to do so will compel the Union to formally petition the ICPC, EFCC, and other relevant authorities.”

Beyond the borehole issue, the union said serious reservations regarding the management’s alleged failure to implement staff welfare and statutory obligations. These include the refusal to facilitate National Housing Fund (NHF) staff sensitization and enrolment, as well as the refusal to facilitate enrolment for the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

Other concerns raised by the union include the non-remittance of union check-off dues from February 2026 to date. They also alleged the diversion of staff welfare packages for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Additionally, they highlighted the absence of essential drugs and medical supplies in the polytechnic health centre.

Consequently, the union gave the management a 21-day ultimatum to address the six issues raised. They warned that failure to do so would risk industrial action, though they said they remain open to negotiations and dialogue within the timeframe.

“We demand that management takes immediate and concrete steps to resolve all the above issues within 21 days of receiving this letter. Failure to comply will compel the Union to activate all lawful trade union mechanisms to press home our demands, including industrial action,” the union said.