Polytechnic Students Push for Legislative Upgrade and National Reform in Education Sector
In a bold and coordinated move, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has renewed its call for the legislative elevation of polytechnics across Nigeria into full-fledged degree-awarding institutions. The students’ union is pressing for the authorization of Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) and Bachelor of Science in Technology (B.Sc Tech) degrees as part of a far-reaching reform agenda that aims to tackle longstanding educational inequality, expand opportunities for Nigerian students, and modernize the country’s tertiary education system.
The demand, articulated in a statement signed by the President of the association, Comrade Eshiofune Oghayan, on Monday, reflects growing discontent over the historical dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) qualifications. According to NAPS, this disparity has created institutional bias, employment discrimination, and an artificial ceiling for thousands of graduates from Nigeria’s polytechnic institutions.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to take a decisive stand on this matter by legislating the empowerment of polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology and Bachelor of Science in Technology degrees. This reform is long overdue. It will resolve the lingering dichotomy between HND and B.Sc holders and restore the dignity of polytechnic education in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The HND-BSc Dichotomy: A Barrier to Equal Opportunity
For decades, polytechnic graduates have faced institutionalized discrimination in both public and private sectors. Despite completing rigorous training, HND holders are often excluded from job opportunities, denied promotions, or relegated to lower cadres in comparison to their university-trained counterparts. This has created a system of inequality that limits the growth of skilled professionals and stifles innovation.
NAPS believes that eliminating this dichotomy through legislative means is essential for national development, especially in a country seeking to diversify its economy and invest in technical and vocational education. “The continued subjugation of polytechnic graduates is an insult to the spirit of equity and competence. It is time for the government to put an end to this structural bias,” Comrade Oghayan added.
The association emphasized that this move would not only empower current students but also inspire more young Nigerians to embrace technical education without fear of future discrimination. With technology rapidly reshaping global economies, Nigerian polytechnics must be allowed to evolve and compete on a level playing field.
Proactive Student-Led Reforms
Beyond the demand for legislative transformation, NAPS outlined a series of progressive initiatives aimed at enhancing student welfare, mental health, campus safety, and national educational outcomes. These proposals include the introduction of a comprehensive Student Insurance Scheme, sustained mental health awareness campaigns, and improved security infrastructure across tertiary institutions.
According to the association, the Student Insurance Scheme would provide healthcare coverage for polytechnic students, ensuring they can access treatment during emergencies or health crises. The mental health awareness campaign, meanwhile, aims to tackle the growing problem of psychological distress and depression among students, exacerbated by economic hardship, academic stress, and limited support services.
“Nigerian students face a wide range of challenges that go beyond the classroom. By implementing a Student Insurance Scheme and launching mental health campaigns, we will be addressing issues that directly impact student productivity, safety, and overall well-being,” the statement explained.
Improving Campus Security
Security is another priority for the students. NAPS highlighted that many campuses, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas, are vulnerable to criminal activity, including theft, harassment, kidnapping, and cult violence. The association is therefore advocating for robust campus security frameworks that include surveillance systems, emergency response units, and stronger collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.
In regions affected by insecurity, polytechnic campuses have often been left exposed, forcing students to live in fear and limiting academic freedom. “Education cannot thrive in an unsafe environment. Security must be taken seriously at all levels,” the association warned.
A Thankful March: Declaring June 12 “Adupe Day”
To recognize what it described as “unprecedented investment in education” by the current administration, NAPS declared June 12, 2025, as “Adupe Day” — a symbolic day of gratitude derived from the Yoruba word Adupe, meaning “thank you.”
The association revealed that a nationwide student march, titled the “One Million Student March,” will be organized on that day to publicly express appreciation for the Tinubu administration’s significant contributions to the education sector. The march is expected to mobilize students from polytechnics, technical institutions, and colleges across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
“We are proud to declare June 12, 2025, as a day of historic appreciation. Nigerian students across all campuses will participate in a peaceful mass mobilization to thank the President for prioritizing education. This is not a protest, but a celebration of progress and renewed hope,” NAPS said.
The student body emphasized that this declaration was not politically motivated, but rather a civic acknowledgment of the strides made in education funding and development.
A Government Committed to Education
NAPS cited multiple milestones achieved under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, including the allocation of a record-breaking ₦2.52 trillion to the education sector in the 2025 national budget — representing a 133% increase from the 2023 budget. The increase marks a clear shift in policy direction, recognizing education as a cornerstone of national development rather than a secondary priority.
Additionally, the association highlighted the approval of ₦683.4 billion for tertiary education intervention projects, the disbursement of over ₦104 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELF), and the strategic launch of the “3 Million Technical Talent” initiative aimed at bridging the country’s digital skill gap.
“In contrast to past administrations that saw education as a footnote, this government has made it the foundation of its development strategy,” the NAPS statement noted.
The 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, in particular, has been praised as a game-changer in repositioning Nigeria’s youth for the digital economy. The project aims to equip young Nigerians with globally relevant skills in areas like software development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, aligning with the global shift toward Industry 4.0.
Holding Government Accountable, Supporting Reforms
While pledging support for President Tinubu’s educational reforms, the National Association of Polytechnic Students also emphasized that its endorsement does not mean it will shy away from constructive criticism or from holding public officials accountable.
“We are not accomplices in political games. We are allies in national development. Our loyalty is to Nigerian students and the future of education in this country. We will continue to support the administration as long as it stays true to its promises and principles,” the statement declared.
This stance underscores the association’s commitment to principled advocacy. While expressing support for policies that benefit students, NAPS maintains a watchdog role in ensuring transparency, inclusiveness, and sustainable reform in Nigeria’s education sector.
A National Call to Action
As the association prepares for the June 12 “Adupe Day” celebrations, it also called on other student unions, civil society organizations, education stakeholders, and the broader public to rally behind the movement for equitable, inclusive, and forward-thinking educational policies. The call is part of a wider push to build a unified front for meaningful change in the education sector.
“We invite all stakeholders to join us in making history on June 12. Let us celebrate progress, acknowledge our challenges, and work collectively toward solutions. Let this march become a symbol of what is possible when leadership listens and students are empowered,” NAPS urged.
The association also plans to submit a formal petition to the National Assembly seeking the constitutional backing needed to authorize polytechnics to confer B.Tech and B.Sc degrees, thereby eliminating the barriers that have held technical education back for decades.
Ushering in a New Era for Technical and Vocational Education in Nigeria
The renewed advocacy by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest for inclusive growth, social equity, and educational reform. As the nation confronts complex challenges like widespread youth unemployment, a shifting labor market, and the accelerating pace of global technological advancement, the relevance of technical and vocational education has never been more pronounced.
In this evolving landscape, polytechnics have the potential to play a transformative role—bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application, producing a workforce equipped with industry-relevant skills, and fostering entrepreneurship among the youth. Yet, for too long, these institutions and their graduates have been held back by structural inequalities, most notably the long-standing and unfair dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degrees.
By demanding the legislative upgrade of polytechnics into degree-awarding institutions, NAPS is not simply asking for academic prestige—it is advocating for fairness, opportunity, and systemic change. The call to empower polytechnics to issue Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) and Bachelor of Science in Technology (B.Sc Tech) degrees reflects a deeper push to align education policy with the demands of the modern economy.
At the same time, NAPS’s broader initiatives—such as its proposal for a student insurance scheme, campus security reforms, and mental health awareness campaigns—underscore its commitment to the holistic well-being of students. These efforts show that the association is not just focused on institutional transformation but is deeply invested in creating a safer, more inclusive, and empowering environment for every student.
As June 12, now dubbed “Adupe Day,” approaches, NAPS is preparing for a nationwide “One Million Student March”—a peaceful show of solidarity and appreciation for the progress made so far, particularly the historic educational investments by the Tinubu-led administration.