OSPOLY Denies Running Illegal Summer School Programme, Dismisses Allegations As False

The management of Osun State Polytechnic (OSPOLY), Iree, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that it operates an illegal summer school programme through which Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates are awarded after only a few days of lectures and examinations.

The institution described the claims as false, malicious and unsupported by any credible evidence, insisting that its Summer School Programme was duly approved and operates within established academic regulations.

In a statement issued by the Registrar of the institution, Mr. Abiodun Oyedele Oloyede, the Polytechnic said the publication relied on anonymous sources and contained fictitious allegations aimed at tarnishing the image of the institution.

According to the statement, responsible journalism requires that allegations of such magnitude be backed by verifiable facts, official records and responses from all affected parties before they are presented to the public.

The management explained that the Summer School Programme was processed and approved by the institution’s Board of Studies, which it described as the Polytechnic’s highest academic organ.

It stated that participants in the programme undergo a minimum of eight weeks of lectures before sitting for continuous assessments and examinations, contrary to claims that certificates are awarded after only a few days of academic activities.

The institution added that the programme is designed mainly for students who missed their regular examinations or those with outstanding carry-over courses beyond the normal academic calendar.

The Polytechnic warned against politicising educational matters through the spread of what it described as unfounded allegations capable of damaging the reputation of the institution.

It urged anyone with credible evidence of wrongdoing to present such evidence to the Polytechnic management, the Governing Council, the Osun State Ministry of Education or relevant law enforcement agencies for proper investigation instead of resorting to social media.

According to the statement, the allegations were discussed during the recent congress of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Iree Chapter, where the Rector reportedly provided clarifications and cited similar programmes being operated by other tertiary institutions.

The management further maintained that Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, has built a strong reputation over several decades as one of Nigeria’s leading polytechnics, producing graduates who have distinguished themselves in different fields.

It called on members of the public to exercise caution in consuming and sharing unverified information, warning that the spread of false reports could undermine public confidence in educational institutions and the media.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, academic standards and due process, the Polytechnic said investigations were ongoing to identify those behind the publication, expressing confidence that those responsible would be brought to justice.