ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has urged the federal government to legislatively empower polytechnics to award degrees, in a bid to eliminate the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) holders.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Comrade Eshiofune Oghayan, the association said: “We urge Mr. President and the National Assembly to empower polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology and Bachelor of Science in Technology degrees. This reform will resolve the lingering dichotomy between HND and BSc holders.”
Beyond academic reforms, the student body also put forward a series of policy proposals aimed at improving student welfare.
These include a Student Insurance Scheme, mental health awareness campaigns, and enhanced campus security.
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While expressing support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, NAPS emphasized that it would continue to hold public officials accountable to ensure the president’s vision for education is not undermined.
The association went on to announce the declaration of June 12 as “Adupe Day” a Yoruba phrase meaning “thank you” as a symbolic gesture to appreciate the administration’s significant investments in the education sector.
The day will be marked with a “One Million Student March” across the country, involving participants from polytechnics, colleges, and technical institutions.
According to the group, the decision was prompted by what they described as the administration’s unprecedented financial commitment to education, including the allocation of N2.52 trillion to the sector in the 2025 national budget a 133% increase compared to 2023.
NAPS also highlighted several other achievements under the current administration, such as the approval of N683.4 billion for tertiary education interventions, the disbursement of over N104 billion via the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the launch of the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative to close digital skill gaps.
“In clear contrast to past administrations, which often approached education as a footnote in national development, President Tinubu has demonstrated that education is the foundation, not the filler,” the statement read.
“As the National Association of Polytechnic Students, we say clearly that we will continue to support this administration because it has supported us. We are your allies, not your accomplices.”
NAPS stated that the planned “One Million Student March” will be a peaceful demonstration of appreciation for the government’s education agenda.