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  • NAPS hails Tinubu for extending Customs CGC Adeniyi’s tenure

    NAPS hails Tinubu for extending Customs CGC Adeniyi’s tenure

    The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a one-year extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, describing the move as a bold statement in support of performance-driven leadership.

    In a statement on Saturday, NAPS President, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, said the extension, which stretches Adeniyi’s tenure till August 2026, reflects a presidential decision anchored on merit, vision, and national continuity.

    Oghayan said the polytechnic student body, which represents over 28.1 million students across Nigeria, sees the president’s action as a reinforcement of excellence and a rejection of political convenience over professional competence.

    “CGC Adeniyi is not just a customs officer. He is a reformer, a digital innovator, and a symbol of purposeful public service. Extending his tenure is not mere politics; it is strategic governance,” Oghayan stated.

    He noted that under Adeniyi’s leadership, Customs revenue rose from ₦202 billion monthly in 2023 to over ₦343 billion by 2024, with a record ₦6.1 trillion generated in the last fiscal year a feat he described as “leadership by results.”

    The NAPS president also highlighted several other reforms attributed to Adeniyi, including the launch of the B’Odogwu digital clearance platform, digitised cargo release procedures, and the Time Release Study, which he said has curbed corruption and delays at ports.

    Oghayan praised the CGC’s border security interventions, from seizure of illegal arms to combating petroleum product diversion and illegal wildlife trade, adding that his leadership proved Customs is more than a revenue agency, “it is a national security asset.”

    The association further hailed Adeniyi’s commitment to training, noting that under his watch, capacity-building was prioritised and recognised by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), with student-oriented programmes incorporated into Customs operations.

    On the global stage, Oghayan described the CGC’s election as Chair of the World Customs Organization Council as a proud moment for Nigeria, “exporting not oil, but administrative competence.”

    He concluded by applauding President Tinubu for choosing “competence over convenience, and reform over routine,” stressing that students across Nigeria stand with leadership that delivers.

  • Alleged misrepresentation: Students bar Peter Obi from polytechnic campuses

    Alleged misrepresentation: Students bar Peter Obi from polytechnic campuses

    Nigerian students, under the aegis of the National Association of Polytechnics Students (NAPS), have barred the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, from their campuses nationwide.

    The students said their decision was informed by Obi’s failure to retract his alleged misrepresentation of what occurred during a recent student union election in Auchi Polytechnics in Edo State.

    Speaking in Abuja on Monday, NAPS’ president, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, said Obi’s failure to retract his alleged misleading claim creates doubt about his integrity as a leader.

    Oghayan said, “Even more concerning is the pattern emerging from his actions. Mr. Obi, without due verification, recently misled the public with false information regarding the student union government (SUG) elections in Auchi Polytechnics.

    “In a widely circulated statement, he claimed: ‘I watched a heartbreaking video that showed students in Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State running for their lives as they were being shot at during their student election yesterday, which left two students dead and several injured.’

    Oghayan noted that the said  statement by Obi was not only false, but it was also reckless, adding that Obi went further to draw comparisons between the actions of students and those of political leaders, implying that student unrest was a result of ‘leaders, who have chosen to fight, snatch, grab and run with it.’

    The students’ leader said, “We, as the direct custodians of student welfare, held a press conference and called on Mr. Obi to retract the statement and issue a public apology, especially to the student community of Auchi Polytechnic.

    “Yet, he remained silent. The same man who built his campaign around ‘go and verify’ failed to verify before peddling unsubstantiated claims. That is not leadership; it is manipulation.

    “Having failed to retract his false statement and refusing to issue a public apology to the student community in Auchi Polytechnic and the nation at large, we are left with no choice.

    “By the moral authority and Constitutional responsibility vested in the office of the President of NAPS, I, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, hereby declare Mr. Peter Obi as persona non grata on all campuses of our institutions across the country, with a mandated distance of not less than 10 kilometres from any student community.

    “This is not vengeance. It is a call for accountability. Leadership cannot preach what it refuses to practice. Influence must not become an avenue for institutional interference,” Oghayan.

    He faulted Obi’s claim that Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, barred him from the state, arguing that the governor’s directive was only intended for security coordination, which is a standard practice.

    Oghayan said, “Governor Okpebholo may have spoken with bluntness, but his concern was rooted in security intelligence and recent events.

    “If any high-profile visit carries a track record of civil unrest and casualties, then a call for security coordination is not just justified – it is essential.

    “Indeed, reports confirmed that three lives were tragically lost shortly after Mr Obi’s last visit to the state. In light of such unrest, what responsible governor would fold his arms and play passive?

    Read Also: I never threatened Peter Obi, says Okpebholo

    “It is commendable that Mr. Obi made a N15million donation to St. Philomena’s Catholic Hospital. Generosity towards health and humanitarian causes is noble and worthy of note.

    “This is the same Mr. Obi, who famously declared during his campaign that ‘he doesn’t give shishi,’ a slogan that became both a mantra and identity of his political movement.

    “But today, we see him making high-profile donations in public glare. Is this growth or contradiction?

    “Furthermore, when public donations are made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, they must be approached with strategic discretion and in consultation with relevant security authorities.

    “Otherwise, such noble institutions may become unintended targets of violence – as evidenced by the chaos that followed his recent visit,” Oghayan said.

  • NAPS seeks fight against cultism, kidnapping, violence

    NAPS seeks fight against cultism, kidnapping, violence

    The Senate Arm of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has asked for collaboration of stakeholders in fight against cultism, kidnaping, killings and violence in Nigeria.

    NAPS urged youths to shun cultism, calling on government to do something about the social viceses which has now become rampant among students and youth in Nigeria.

    A statement by NAPS Senate President, Festus Oyewumi said the body can’t continue to fold it’s hands while good image of the nation is being destroyed.

    He maintained that insecurity in Nigeria need state of emergency.

    He said: “We are crying for a safe society by campaigning against violence everywhere in Nigeria, our campuses and community must be safe. Until Nigeria becomes a safe place, we are not going to relent.”

    Oyewumi condemned the alleged threat to life of one Ojegbenro Leye, a community youth leader, who was compelled to flee the country.

    He said: “In late October 2024, according to the Story of the Youth Leader in Ikotun, Ikotun witnessed a sudden and alarming surge in the activities of two notorious gangs Axe Confraternity (Aiyes known with their Black and Yellow color) and Eagles Confraternity (Eiye – Blue colour).

    “These groups are widely known in Nigeria, particularly among youths in Lagos and several other states. Their violent operations targeted vulnerable youths and school children, often initiating them by force. The presence of these gangs posed a clear and immediate threat to lives and property.

    “As a youth leader, he could not stand idly by, he decided to organise awareness campaigns and sensitization programs to protect the children and teenagers in his community from being recruited.

    Read Also: NAPS partners firm to provide affordable internet for Poly students

    “Unfortunately, his activism made him a direct target. Members of these confraternities became aware of his efforts and began to issue threats to him and his family. He later received credible information that is picture had been circulated across several of their communication platforms, marking him as a target to bring down.

    “His situation became even more frustrating when he realized that some members of the Security agencies were affiliated with these gangs. Each time he attempted to report the threats to the Authorities, he was met with indifference, obstruction, or outright hostility. It became clear that he could not trust the authorities to protect him, in fact, they may have been part of the danger he was running from.

    “What made matters worse was that these criminal groups reportedly have somewhat connections with powerful political figures, and they are often used for electoral violence during campaigns and elections. This widespread complicity made it impossible to seek justice or safety within the country.

    “Eventually, the threats became so severe that he had no choice but to run away for his life. His parents, out of fear for their own lives, had to relocate to another state in Nigeria. He has to leave everything behind, his home, his job, and his community just to stay alive because the death don’t count.”

  • NANS, NAPS make u-turn on NMDPRA protest, cites unverified information

    NANS, NAPS make u-turn on NMDPRA protest, cites unverified information

    In a dramatic turn of events, two prominent student unions in Nigeria have withdrawn calls for protests against the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) had initially issued separate letters to the NMDPRA CEO, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, demanding his resignation and accusing him of mismanagement of public funds, job as well as contract racketeering, and abuse of office.

    The letters, dated May 27, 2025, had threatened to mobilise millions of students across the country to protest against the NMDPRA leadership.

    NANS had slated June 4-5 for a clarification visit to the NMDPRA headquarters while NAPS set June 12, 2025, as the date for the planned protest.

    However, in a sudden reversal, both unions have withdrawn their demands and protest notices.

    In a letter dated June 2, 2025, NANS through Comrade Opeyemi Samson Ajasa apologised for any inconvenience caused by its earlier statement, citing further investigations and engagements with stakeholders that revealed the allegations were based on unverified information.

    “We have discovered that the issues raised in our earlier correspondence are unfounded, misleading, and do not accurately reflect the true state of affairs within the agency,” Comrade Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, NANS Public Relations Officer, said in the letter.

    “We wish to reaffirm our readiness to collaborate with Engr. Farouk Ahmed and the NMDPRA to bridge the communication gap between the youth and student constituency and the agency.

    Read Also: Otedola eulogises Tinubu, describes President as history maker

    “We understand that our earlier letter was based on incomplete information, and we regret any harm it may have caused,” Comrade Ajasa added.

    “We are committed to working with the NMDPRA leadership to ensure that our concerns are addressed in a constructive and peaceful manner.”

    “NANS is committed to upholding the values of truth, fairness, and constructive engagement,” Comrade Ajasa emphasized.

    “We believe that dialogue and cooperation are essential in resolving issues, and we are willing to work with the NMDPRA leadership to achieve this goal.”

    NAPS also withdrew its protest notice in a letter dated May 3, 2025, signed by Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan.

    The union cited the need for constructive dialogue and responsible engagement with the NMDPRA leadership, rather than resorting to protests.

    “We believe that protests should be a last resort, and we are willing to engage with the NMDPRA leadership to resolve our concerns,” Oghayan said.

    “We are committed to seeking truth and justice, and we will work with the NMDPRA leadership to ensure that our concerns are addressed.”

    “As student leaders, we have a responsibility to our members to ensure that their interests are protected and promoted,” Oghayan added.

    “We will continue to engage with the NMDPRA leadership to ensure that our concerns are addressed in a constructive and peaceful manner.”

    “NAPS is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public institutions,” Oghayan emphasised.

    “We will continue to work with the NMDPRA leadership to ensure that our concerns are addressed and that the interests of our members are protected.”

  • NAPS demands explanation on overnight WAEC exams in Asaba

    NAPS demands explanation on overnight WAEC exams in Asaba

    The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has condemned the recent conduct of WAEC examination in the night under torchlight in Asaba, Delta State, describing it as a “national disgrace, a moral calamity, and a betrayal of the promise we owe our youth.”

    According to NAPS President, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, “What should have been a moment of academic dignity was turned into a nightmare. Like planting seeds in the dead of night and expecting them to flourish, the system has once again demanded excellence from students while depriving them of the environment to succeed. This is not just a failure. It is sabotage.”

    The incident occurred on May 22, 2025 at Unity Modern School, Asaba where students were forced to write their WAEC examination from 6:00 pm deep into the night, using torchlights.

    NAPS however demanded an immediate and public explanation from Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, Head of WAEC Nigeria, and an investigation by the Federal Ministry of Education into the circumstances that led to the breakdown.

    Read Also: ‘I just wanted him to make his WAEC exam’, Father of slain Ibadan student breaks silence

    “The eyes of the world are on Nigeria. What shall they see? A nation that protects its future or one that sabotages it? Let it be known. Students are not candles to be burned in the dark. They are stars meant to shine. We will fight for them, stand by them, and speak for them until the light returns to our classrooms and conscience returns to our institutions.

    “We refuse to be silent while the destinies of Nigerian students are jeopardized by carelessness, insensitivity, and institutional decay.

    “If any of the affected students fails that particular paper due to the abnormal and inhumane conditions under which it was written, NAPS will not hesitate to mobilize a massive nationwide protest,” Oghayan said.

    The association is also seeking executive attention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to ensure that institutional incompetence does not derail his efforts to reposition education in Nigeria.

  • NAPS partners firm to provide affordable internet for Poly students

    NAPS partners firm to provide affordable internet for Poly students

    The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has partnered with Tridentnet Wireless Nig. Ltd for affordable internet for students in Polytechnics across Nigeria.

    The partnership was to addressed Internet:related challenges facing Polytechnics students in Nigeria.

    Speaking in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital while signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the firm, NAPS Senate President, Com. Adeniji Temitope described service of the firm as the cheapest facilities for Polytechnic Students in Nigeria.

    He lamented that many students face difficulty in accessing wireless internet facilities while on campus, while many of them do pay for ICT and Internet without enjoying the benefits.

    He noted NAPS leadership has gone out to find a solution to the problem by partnering with Tridentnet Wireless Nig Ltd for affordable internet for Nigerian Polytechnic students.

    Read Also: NAPS, NANCES, NAUS clarify alleged marginalisation of CNG buses

    He said: “As we all know that Internet access is one of what can make study easier for us, that is why we approach different companies to provide wireless Internet for us our campuses before we meet Tridentnet Wireless Nig. Ltd and they are ready to take easy access for us.

    “We all Polytechnic and other affiliate institutions are for research and to

    provide technology advancement to grow the Nigeria Economy.

    “Tridentnet Wireless Nig. Ltd is the cheapest among the companies we approach and they are ready to provide standard service to our follow students across the country.”

    He called on all Management, Rectors, Provost of the institutions and National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) to support the great initiative from NAPS.

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tridentnet Wireless Nigeria Ltd, Sobowale Adeniran said the firm wass ready to partner with NAPS in providing affordable internet facilities to Polytechnic students.

    According to him: “Our facilities are unlimited, it is cheaper, affordable and always available for students to use.”

  • NAPS, NANCES, NAUS clarify alleged marginalisation of CNG buses

    NAPS, NANCES, NAUS clarify alleged marginalisation of CNG buses

    The joint leadership of National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES) and the National Association of University Students (NAUS) has clarified recent petition alleging unequal distribution of CNG buses among student community.

    The trio association representing interest of Polytechnic, University and College of Education students in Nigeria and diaspora appealed to other (National Excos) of NANS to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and settle their differences.

    A statement jointly signed by NAPS National President, Com. Ridwan Munirudeen, NANCES National President, Com. Eegunjobi Samuel, and NAUS National President, Com. Josiah Oche explained the sharing formula of the CNG buses was just and fair to all structures and organs of NANS, saying interest of Polytechnics, Universities and Colleges of Education was captured in the sharing formula.

    According to the trio, one CNG bus each was given to the three sister bodies for fairness and transparency, adding that all NANS Coordinators will be given one each to be operating within their zones.

    The statement reads: “All the National Executives of NANS should eliminate the sense of entitlement, rooting for individuals to be beneficiaries, rather we advised them on focusing on how to manage those buses that has been given to their respective secretariats and zones, afterall, all National executives belong to one zone or the other.

    “All aggrieved member of the National Executives and that of Senate Arm should channel their grievances to the National President and Senate President respectively, we enjoin them to embrace peaceful discussion to settle the pressing issues amicably and off the media.

    “We reaffirmed to the public that, the buses were shared inline with the tradition of NANS, so as to capture the interest of the structures and organs (Sister bodies & Zonal Coordinators) of the body (NANS).

    “The transparency of the leadership of NANS under Comrade Lucky Emonefe and Sen. Akinteye Babatunde is not only limited to the fairness distribution of CNG buses alone, but extended to other palliative and good gesture coming directly from the Federal Government and other government agencies to the students community.

    Read Also: Fed Govt deploys CNG buses for airport shuttle

    “The public should know that the trio (NAPS, NAUS & NANCES) are the highest critics of NANS National whenever their action or inaction is against the interest of Nigerian Students, but on the distribution of CNG buses and other palliatives, we must commend the current administration of NANS, they have done well and we are proud of their fairness distribution within the organs and structures of NANS.

    “The structures of NANS is beyond only National Executives and Senate Arm. It’s imperative to know that sister bodies such as NAPS, NAUS and NANCES are also structures of NANS while Six (6) Zonal Coordinators (representing each zones) and 37 JCC Chairmen (representing each state including FCT) are also organs of NANS.”

  • NAPS condemns legal challenge to HND phase-out

    NAPS condemns legal challenge to HND phase-out

    The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has accused those challenging the discontinuation of the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Pharmaceutical Technology in polytechnics of undermining educational reforms aimed at improving standards.

    NAPS president, Comrade Ridwan Opeyemi Munirudeen, made this assertion during a press briefing in Kaduna, where he criticized individuals taking the matter to court as placing personal interests above the collective good of polytechnic students.

    He noted that the decision to phase out the HND program in favour of a National Diploma (ND) in Pharmacy Technician was reached after extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Ministry of Education, and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).

    “The ongoing legal battle is not in the best interest of our students,” Munirudeen said. “We have worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition that protects current students while aligning our educational programs with national standards. Dragging this matter to court is a deliberate attempt to disrupt this progress.”

    Read Also: Mastercard, NAPS to drive innovation in payments space

    NAPS, he said, fully supports the resolution that allows current HND students to complete their programs but halts further admissions into the HND in Pharmaceutical Technology. Munirudeen called on those involved in the court case to reconsider their stance and prioritize the future of polytechnic education.

    He also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to resisting any efforts to continue the HND program, stating that NAPS would stand firmly behind the NBTE and PCN in upholding the new educational directive. According to him, the association’s primary concern remains the welfare and educational advancement of polytechnic students across the country.

    “We are not against reform, but it must be reform that benefits the students and enhances the quality of education in our polytechnics,” Munirudeen added.

    NAPS urged all parties to respect the decisions of the regulatory bodies and work together towards strengthening polytechnic education in Nigeria.

  • Mastercard, NAPS to drive innovation in payments space

    Mastercard, NAPS to drive innovation in payments space

    Mastercard and NAPS, a Moroccan fintech company, have initiated a collaboration to develop innovative payment solutions for individuals and businesses. The partnership consolidates the strong historical relationship between the two entities.

    NAPS is on a mission to expand the horizons of digital payments in Morocco. NAPS benefits from the over 30 years of expertise of M2M Group in software for electronic payments and biometric identity.

    As Mastercard’s partner, NAPS benefits from access to its extensive network, expertise and wide-ranging portfolio of products and services, powered by innovative and secure technologies.

    In line with NAPS’s long-term strategy, the collaboration will boost the company’s innovation capabilities through Mastercard’s advanced technology and optimize time to market for its upcoming digital offerings.

    Read Also; NASS okays extension of 2023 Budget/Supplementary

    “At Mastercard, we are committed to supporting a global network of innovators with the aim of building a more accessible and sustainable digital economy. We serve as a trusted partner of pioneering fintech companies across all stages of development, helping them achieve agility and speed. We are delighted to share our technological expertise with NAPS to pursue our common objective of advancing inclusive growth,” said Mohamed Benomar, Country General Manager, MENA West, Mastercard.

    “The partnership with Mastercard will reinforce our position as a market-leading fintech company and support the culture of innovation that is at the core of everything we do. By accelerating the development of digital payment solutions in Morocco, it will also contribute to cementing the country’s status as a premier fintech hub in the Arab world,” said Hassan Ghellab, CEO, NAPS.

    NAPS and Mastercard aim to create new ecosystems of digital services in Morocco to unlock the full potential of digital payments and provide users with an enhanced experience through innovative services in order to promote financial inclusion. These digital ecosystems will enable the development of high-value applications and explore new service opportunities, contributing to innovation and the digital transformation of the sector.

    The CGAP report Fintechs Across the Arab World , issued in December 2020, highlighted Morocco as the third-largest fintech hub among the 22 member countries of the Arab League. High mobile coverage, a large unbanked population, an abundant supply of talent, infrastructure upgrades and government initiatives encouraging the uptake of digital financial services, coupled with enabling regulations, are among the key drivers of growth in this space.

  • Fayose’s aide bags Award from the Students’ Community 

    The Personal Assistant to Gov. Ayodele Fayose on General Administration and Stomach Infrastructure, Mr. Sunday Anifowoshe has once again bagged a honourary award from the National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS.
    The award was presented on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti where friends and well wishers of the awardee gathered to celebrate with the Ado born business tycoon cum politician.
    Giving the acceptance speech, the awardee thanked God for His grace in his life, he thanked His Excellency, Chief Ayodele Fayose for giving him platform to be celebrated; describing Fayose as his political father, benefactor and mentor whose leadership style he will continue to emulate.
    Mr. Anifowoshe  urged the students to do away with anything that can turn their their future into a bleak one.
    He said, “Considering the recent happenings in the country, the Nigerian students need to wake-up from their slumber and join forces with the focused youths  who are ready to bail the country out from the tyrants and party of deceits we have in the country now.
    “Permit me to urge those who are yet to  get their voter’s cards should go for it on time so as to kick out impunity in the country in 2019”.
    Presenting the award, the National Public Relations Officer of the National  Association of Polytechnic Students, Com. Olasunkanmi Ijaduoye said the association decided to bestow the honour to Mr. Anifowoshe due to his sense of humility and respect to all and sundry; stressing that only men of courage and confidence can be respected and celebrated.
    Com. Olasunkanmi described Mr. Anifowoshe as a courageous icon, an astute and cognitive thinker, a seasoned analyst, an epitome of excellence with a great heart of gold who will get unflinching support from the entire students in the country if he and when he justles for any elective position.
    “Your unrelenting contributions towards youth/students developmental projects and passion for education was also part of the criteria for this honour”, Olasunkanmi said.