Ibadan, Nigeria – In a powerful show of student leadership and advocacy, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) convened its 44th Senate Sitting at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibadan. The event brought together student leaders, stakeholders, and dignitaries from across the country to deliberate on pressing issues affecting polytechnic students nationwide.
The session opened with formalities including the National and Aluta Anthems, followed by the introduction of notable attendees such as national executive members, SUG Presidents (Senators), zonal representatives, and government appointees including the Special Advisers on Youth and Student Affairs to the Governors of Osun and Oyo States.
State of NAPS and the Nation: A Call for Justice and Equity
Delivering the State of the Association, NAPS Vice President, Comr. David Ebunoluwa, reaffirmed the association’s unwavering commitment to championing the rights of polytechnic students and fostering improved academic environments through campus-wide advocacy and mobilization.
The Senate strongly condemned the trend of polytechnic-to-university conversions, urging the Federal Government to instead pass legislation that upgrades the HND qualification to a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech). It also called for the creation of a National Polytechnic Commission (NPC) to replace the current board system and better regulate technical institutions.
On national issues, the Senate lauded the Federal Government’s introduction of stipends for TVET students, while also urging state governments to prioritize technical education and industrialization in their use of federal allocations. It condemned the ongoing spate of kidnappings, killings, and insecurity affecting students and communities, urging immediate intervention by security agencies.
Institutional Matters and Urgent Resolutions
In a motion raised by the Senator representing The Polytechnic, Ibadan, the Senate appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to retain the institution’s name and immortalize the pioneer Rector, Engr. Victor Omololu Oluloyo, by naming campus structures after him.
The Senate also issued a 7-day ultimatum to the management of Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, to reinstate a student disqualified from SUG elections based on a DSS report, or risk mass protest mobilization. “Injustice to one is injustice to all,” the Senate declared.
Further motions addressed the strike at OYSCATECH, with a 14-day ultimatum issued to the state government and school authorities for resolution, and the urgent need for a national infrastructure audit across polytechnic campuses, with particular concern for electricity, internet, water, and accommodation.
Constitution Review, Elections & New Structures
To modernize its governance, the Senate inaugurated a Constitution Review Committee chaired by Comr. Lukman Adeyemi Salaudeen, and approved the establishment of state structures to decentralize operations within a 6-month implementation timeline.
The Senate also received and approved a request from the South East Zone to conduct zonal elections, and formed a Convention Planning Committee (CPC) to oversee a transparent national electoral process within 90 days. Furthermore, the controversial NAPS Northwest Zone election was annulled and a fresh election was mandated within 60 days under CPC supervision.
Digital Innovation, Academic Equity, and Student Welfare
The Senate unanimously adopted Azinonet Ltd as its official digital financial empowerment platform, and passed a vote of confidence on Geneith Pharmaceutical Ltd, encouraging students nationwide to register for its ₦1 Billion Malaria Innovation Competition.
In a sharp rebuke, NAPS rejected JAMB’s 100 cutoff mark for polytechnic admissions, calling it “demeaning, ridiculous, and an insult to the dignity of polytechnic education.” The association demanded an urgent review by JAMB, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders.
Closing and Final Resolutions
The session adjourned with a motion moved by Deputy Senate President Sen. DB Akolo and seconded by Sen. Oladipupo Olamide Daniel of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
The Communiqué was jointly drafted by:
- Comrade Andrew Ajakpofo
- Comrade Oluchi Joy
- Comrade Abdulraman Demola
