The National Association of Polytechnic Students has called for stronger national security measures, reforms in technical education, economic relief for Nigerians, and increased youth participation in the democratic process as the country marks Democracy Day.
Speaking during a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, said the student body joined Nigerians in reflecting on the country’s democratic journey, achievements, and challenges.
Oghayan stated, “Democracy is not merely about periodic elections; it is about building a nation where citizens can live in peace, pursue education without fear, engage in productive enterprise, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
The student leader stated that NAPS, which represents over 28.1 million students in polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology across Nigeria and the diaspora, considered it a patriotic duty to speak on issues affecting the nation and offer recommendations that would strengthen democracy and promote national development.
Addressing the security situation in the country, the NAPS president described insecurity as one of the greatest threats confronting Nigeria, noting that attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements had continued to affect lives, businesses, investments and education.
He expressed concern over the growing vulnerability of educational institutions, citing the recent abduction of students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State.
According to him, the incident underscored the urgent need for improved security around tertiary institutions and their host communities.
He lamented, “Educational institutions, which ought to serve as sanctuaries of learning and innovation, have increasingly become targets of criminal attacks.
“A recent example is the unfortunate abduction of students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State. This incident exposed the vulnerability of many educational institutions and reinforced the urgent need to enhance security architecture around our campuses and host communities.”
Oghayan disclosed that following the incident, NAPS engaged the Office of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to seek solutions to the crisis.
“On the 9th of June, 2026, we were granted an audience at the Ship House, Abuja, where we held a frank, productive, and solution-driven engagement regarding the safe rescue of the abducted students,” he added.
According to NAPS, the minister listened to concerns raised by students and other stakeholders and promptly engaged relevant security authorities to ensure urgent attention was given to critical issues.
The student body further praised the successful rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State in November 2025, describing the operation as evidence of effective security coordination.
While commending ongoing efforts, Oghayan urged the FG and security agencies to intensify investments in intelligence, surveillance technology, border security, rapid response systems, and community-based security partnerships, stressing that the protection of educational institutions should remain a national priority.
He also advocated the strategic use of Nigeria’s forest reserves through the establishment of regulated military and paramilitary agricultural settlements.
“Such initiatives would not only boost food production, enhance food security and create employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians, but would also ensure a sustained government presence in remote areas that have become vulnerable to criminal activities,” Oghayan said.
The NAPS president added that areas often used as hideouts by criminal groups could be transformed into productive centres of economic growth and security through adequate investment and protection.
“Beyond kinetic responses, Nigeria must pursue a comprehensive security strategy that combines military operations with economic empowerment, rural development, technological surveillance, intelligence-led policing and active community participation,” he stated.
On education, Oghayan commended the FG for interventions aimed at improving infrastructure, student financing and access to learning opportunities, particularly through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund and tuition-free education in Federal Technical Colleges.
However, he said the continued discrimination against polytechnic graduates remained a major concern.
“It is ironic that at a time when many countries across the world are expanding technical education, strengthening vocational institutions and prioritising technology-driven learning to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Nigeria continues to treat Polytechnic education as subordinate within the nation’s educational framework,” he lamented.
Oghayan renewed the association’s call for the elimination of all forms of discrimination against polytechnic graduates and urged the FG to approve and implement the Bachelor of Technology degree framework in Nigerian polytechnics.
“It remains unfair and demeaning that a Polytechnic student spends two years obtaining a National Diploma, undertakes one year of Industrial Training, and completes another two years for the Higher National Diploma, amounting to five years of rigorous academic and practical training, only to be compelled against his or her will to pursue various top-up programmes to attain academic parity.
“The recent halt to top-up degree programmes has further highlighted the urgent necessity of implementing a sustainable and permanent solution to this long-standing challenge,” he said.
The student leader also advocated greater recognition and investment in polytechnic education, describing it as critical to the country’s industrial and technological development.
Oghayan noted, “Nigeria must reposition Polytechnic education as a driver of industrialisation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement.
“The future belongs to nations that invest heavily in technical knowledge and practical skills, and Nigeria must not be left behind.”
He urged the government to end policies that place polytechnic education at a disadvantage and instead harness its potential as a catalyst for economic growth and national development.
On the economy, Oghayan expressed concern over rising prices of petroleum products, cooking gas and diesel, saying the increases had worsened the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.
“The burden is felt not only by businesses but especially by ordinary Nigerians who struggle daily to meet their basic needs,” he said.
The student leader noted that the increases had contributed to inflation, higher transportation fares, increased production costs and rising prices of goods and services.
NAPS therefore called on the FG to take practical steps to stabilise energy prices, strengthen domestic refining capacity, improve supply chains and reduce the cost of petroleum products and cooking gas.
“Economic reforms must ultimately translate into tangible relief for citizens, particularly students, workers, small business owners, and low-income families who bear the greatest burden of economic hardship,” Oghayan said.
The association also used the occasion to encourage greater youth participation in governance ahead of future elections.
He urged eligible students and young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and prepare to participate fully in future elections.
“The future of Nigeria cannot be left in the hands of a few. Young people constitute the largest demographic segment of our population and must therefore play a decisive role in shaping the nation’s political direction through active and responsible participation in the democratic process,” he added.
Oghayan further called on youths to reject political apathy and embrace civic responsibility, stressing that active citizen participation remains essential for democratic growth and accountability.
Concluding his remarks, the NAPS president reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the welfare, security, and educational advancement of Nigerian students.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the welfare, security, educational advancement, and socio-economic development of Nigerian students,” he said.
Oghayan expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its challenges through collective effort, responsible leadership and active citizenship.
The call by NAPS comes amid ongoing national debates over security, economic stability, and education reform under the Fourth Republic, which has maintained uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999.
Insecurity driven by banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency has continued to affect parts of the country, particularly in the North, with several attacks on schools heightening concerns about the safety of students and educational institutions. Meanwhile, recent economic reforms, including adjustments in fuel pricing, have contributed to rising living costs and inflationary pressures.
The issue of parity between polytechnic and university qualifications also remains unresolved, with stakeholders advocating stronger recognition of technical and vocational education as a driver of national development.