NAPS URGES TINUBU, NASS TO EMPOWER POLYTECHNICS TO AWARD DEGREES, DECLARES JUNE 12 ‘ADUPE DAY’.(PHOTO).

 NAPS Urges Tinubu, NASS to Empower Polytechnics to Award Degrees, Declares June 12 ‘Adupe Day’

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to enact legislation enabling polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology and Bachelor of Science in Technology degrees. In a statement issued on Monday, NAPS President Comrade Eshiofune Oghayan emphasized that this reform would eliminate the longstanding disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualifications.

“This upgrade will resolve the lingering dichotomy between HND and BSc holders,” Oghayan stated, highlighting the need for polytechnics to be recognized as degree-awarding institutions to enhance their academic and professional credibility.

In addition to the degree-awarding proposal, NAPS advocated for the establishment of a Student Insurance Scheme, mental health awareness campaigns, and enhanced campus security measures to address critical student welfare issues.

The association also expressed strong support for the Tinubu administration’s education policies, commending the allocation of N2.52 trillion to the education sector in the 2025 national budget—a 133% increase from 2023. Other notable achievements include the approval of N683.4 billion for tertiary education interventions, the disbursement of over N104 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the launch of the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative to address digital skills gaps.

“In clear contrast to past administrations, President Tinubu has demonstrated that education is the foundation, not the filler, of national development,” the statement read. NAPS pledged to support the administration while holding officials accountable for actions that deviate from the President’s vision for education.

To celebrate the administration’s commitment, NAPS declared June 12, 2025, as “Adupe Day”—a Yoruba term meaning “thank you”—and announced plans for a “One Million Student March” involving students from polytechnics, technical institutions, and colleges nationwide. The peaceful march will serve as a demonstration of gratitude for what the association described as unprecedented investment in education.

NAPS emphasized its role as an ally to the administration, stating, “We are your allies, not your accomplices,” and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for student welfare and educational reform.