The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Olushola Ladoja, to take a clear stand against the proposed conversion of polytechnics to universities across Nigeria.
In an open letter released on Monday, NAPS President Eshiofune Oghayan said such moves could undermine technical and vocational education, which is vital for Nigeria’s development. He stressed that the country needs more technically skilled professionals and that polytechnics are critical in providing hands-on training for industry and innovation.
“Converting polytechnics into universities is not a sign of progress, but a duplication that threatens the future of technical education,” Oghayan stated.
He also criticized a recent proposal at the House of Representatives that would require a university degree as the minimum qualification for anyone contesting for the position of Local Government Chairman. According to him, the proposal is unfair to polytechnic and NCE graduates and could exclude many capable Nigerians from leadership roles.
“Leadership should be based on competence and vision, not just university degrees,” he said.
Oghayan urged Ladoja to use his influence to resist what he described as “anti-technical education” policies. He praised Ladoja’s past efforts in defending student rights, particularly his intervention in the recent case of Comrade James Akeju, who was reportedly detained in Ondo State.
NAPS expressed confidence in Ladoja’s leadership and called on him to lead the fight for educational equity and justice.