By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)has taken its new leadership to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), in a formal event led by the outgoing President, Comr. Ridwan Opeyemi.

Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan (ShopRite),the National President, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS),in a statement, stated that the historic transition ushered in a new era under the leadership of Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, the newly elected NAPS President.

“The ceremony, held at the NBTE headquarters, witnessed an engaging session with the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, who commended the outgoing leadership for its commitment to student advocacy and encouraged the new leadership to uphold the values of excellence and service to the Nigerian polytechnic community.”

“Key Highlights from the NBTE Executive Secretary’s Address: NYSC Mobilization for Part-Time Students:Prof. Bugaje addressed the ongoing mobilization challenges faced by part-time students concerning their eligibility for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). In a significant development, he announced that an agreement has been reached to allow affected students to be mobilized in respective of their ND background and without the mandatory Industrial Training (IT) letter for the next two years.’

“This decision, he emphasized, is part of an interim measure to ease the difficulties faced by students who have been unfairly excluded from the NYSC scheme due to technicalities surrounding their IT documentation. After this two-year grace period, full enforcement of the policy will commence, making the submission of the IT letter compulsory for NYSC mobilization.’

“Prof. Bugaje assured that NBTE is working closely with the NYSC Directorate and other relevant stakeholders to streamline the mobilization process, ensuring fairness and inclusivity for all Nigerian students, regardless of their mode of study. This development represents a significant victory for part-time students who have long faced uncertainty regarding their NYSC status.”

“Progress on HND-BSc Dichotomy:On the critical issue of the Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) dichotomy, Prof. Bugaje provided an encouraging update. He reaffirmed NBTE’s unwavering commitment to the abolition of this discriminatory barrier, which has historically limited the career progression of polytechnic graduates.”

“According to Prof. Bugaje, substantial progress has been made through collaborative efforts with the National Assembly and other key education stakeholders. Legislative measures aimed at eliminating the dichotomy are advancing, with strong support from both the public and private sectors.”

“He emphasized that the recognition of HND certificates on par with BSc degrees will not only enhance the employability of polytechnic graduates but also foster a more merit-based system where skills and competencies are prioritized over paper qualifications. This progress reflects a transformative shift towards educational equity and national development.’

” Conversion of NBTE to National Commission for Technical Education (NCTE):In a bold move towards institutional reform, Prof. Bugaje announced plans for the conversion of NBTE into the National Commission for Technical Education (NCTE). This strategic transformation aims to elevate the status of NBTE, aligning it with its counterparts such as the National Universities Commission (NUC).”

“Prof. Bugaje elaborated on the numerous benefits this conversion would bring:
Enhanced Regulatory Powers: The NCTE will possess greater autonomy and authority to implement robust policies for technical education.”

“Increased Funding and Resources: The shift will attract more government funding, fostering infrastructural development and academic excellence in polytechnics.Global Recognition: Polytechnic qualifications will gain increased international recognition, boosting the global competitiveness of Nigerian graduates.”

“Strengthened Advocacy for Technical Education: The NCTE will have a stronger voice in national education policies, ensuring that the needs of technical institutions and students are prioritized.
This development, he noted, will have far-reaching benefits for polytechnic students, graduates, and institutions, positioning Nigeria’s technical education sector as a catalyst for national growth and innovation.”

“Technical and Vocational Education Reforms:Prof. Bugaje reaffirmed NBTE’s commitment to reforming technical and vocational education (TVET) in Nigeria. He highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at:Modernizing curricula to align with global trends.Integrating digital and entrepreneurial skills to prepare students for the evolving job market.”

“Promoting self-reliance through technical innovation and start-up development.These reforms, he stated, are part of a national strategy to position technical education as the bedrock of Nigeria’s economic diversification and technological advancement.”

In his farewell speech, the former President,,Comr. Ridwan Opeyemi expressed gratitude to NBTE for its steadfast support during his tenure. He reflected on the achievements of his administration, particularly in areas of student advocacy, educational reforms, and institutional partnerships.

The newly elected President, Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, pledged to build on the foundations laid by his predecessors. He committed to prioritizing student welfare, educational equity, and policy reforms, while fostering a culture of dialogue and collaboration with key stakeholders, including NBTE.

In his address, Comr. Oghayan emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across all Nigerian polytechnic campuses. He strongly asserted that under his leadership, NAPS will work tirelessly to prevent any form of strike actions that could disrupt academic activities.

He highlighted that peaceful campuses are critical for effective learning, character building, and national capacity development. The new NAPS leadership will actively engage with both students and institutional managements to address grievances through dialogue and advocacy, ensuring that issues are resolved amicably without resorting to industrial actions.

“Our priority is to foster an environment where students can thrive academically and morally,” said Comr. Oghayan. “Strikes have far-reaching consequences on the future of our youth and the nation at large. We will champion peaceful resolutions to conflicts while safeguarding the interests of Nigerian polytechnic students.”

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) extends heartfelt appreciation to Prof. Idris Bugaje and the entire NBTE leadership for their dedication to advancing technical education in Nigeria. “NAPS remains resolute in its mission to advocate for the rights and welfare of Nigerian polytechnic students, fostering a future where technical and vocational education drives national prosperity,” they concluded