The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) convened its 44th Inaugural Senate Sitting on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex in Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.
The event brought together dignitaries from academia, government officials, invited guests, Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents, senators, and enthusiastic students. Notable attendees included Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, MD/CEO of CEOAFRICA; Mr. Enoch Azigbeotu, MD/CEO of Azinonet; Hon. Mudashiru Morenikeji, Chairman of Lagelu LG; Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade Onala, Chairman of Ibadan North LG; Sen. Comrade Abdulmajid Oyeniyi, SA for youth to Executive Governor of Osun State and Comrade Hon. Victor Olojede, Student rep at the Oyo State Government house.
Themed "In Pursuit of Polytechnic Excellence," the sitting served as a platform for students to voice their concerns to the Federal Government regarding the need for heightened support for polytechnic education and technical training in Nigeria. The gathering emphasized that any nation that underestimates the importance of technical advancement is unlikely to progress. Participants hoped to convey their message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging a greater focus on vocational and technical education in Nigeria.
NAPS noted the collaboration of key stakeholders in the private sector, including Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Azinonet and Secure Hub Connect, in empowering students and enriching educational initiatives.
In his opening remarks, Sen. Comrade Oyewunmi Festus Ayomide, President of the Senate for NAPS, stated, “This sitting, being our first under the new administration, marks the start of a renewed commitment to champion the collective interests of 20 million polytechnic students across Nigeria. This gathering is purposeful; we aren’t merely fulfilling a constitutional obligation but are here to advocate for the reinforcement of our mission and to build structures that will reposition polytechnic education as a key driver of national development.”
Ayomide further emphasized, “Our theme, 'In Pursuit of Polytechnic Excellence,' serves as a call to action, urging us to reject mediocrity and demand quality, thereby restoring pride in technical and vocational education. We express our gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for fostering an enabling environment for youth-centered programs and student development in Oyo State.”
He encouraged his fellow NAPS leaders, stating, “You are the bridge between the grassroots and national leadership. Let us utilize this platform for progress, policy formation, and the protection of our academic space. Today, we initiate the restructuring of our union for meaningful impact. To our partners and stakeholders, we seek collaboration, not sympathy. The timing is ripe for significant investments in polytechnic education; a nation that undermines its technical education has essentially mortgaged its future.”
Following Ayomide's remarks, Mr. Enoch Azigbeotu, CEO of Azinonet, addressed the audience, sharing insights on how their investment could benefit the youth. “Azinonet has been pivotal in helping me achieve my goal of empowering millions of young people in Nigeria to attain financial independence. We operate a unique digitalized cooperative system that continuously explores sustainable solutions for economic growth within our community.”
Prince Cletus Ilobanafor then elaborated on the Geneith Health Competition, stating, “The Geneith Health Competition is an initiative of CEOAfrica, Sponsored by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and Powered by Coatal Forte Softgel. This project is dedicated to the fight against malaria, raising awareness through a structured competition where participants engage at state, regional, and national levels. By promoting education and prevention strategies, this initiative reflects the dedication of all stakeholders in combating malaria and improving public health in Nigeria.”
Ilobanafor emphasized the motivational aspect of the competition, revealing that substantial cash prizes are awarded at each level to encourage competitors to excel while disseminating critical knowledge about malaria prevention. “The Geneith Health Competition is committed to empower our youth, specifically targeting secondary and tertiary institution students in this crucial battle.”
“I thank the leadership of Nigerian students for believing in this project. Together, we will eradicate malaria,” he declared, encouraging students to visit the competition’s website to register and participate. Registration for the competition is currently ongoing.
The event also featured awards presentation to individuals for their remarkable contributions to the education system in polytechnics and Nigeria at large.
Following the awards, the senate sitting transitioned to discussions concerning pressing issues affecting students, with a focus on the areas where government intervention is needed. Topics included the recent renaming of Polytechnic Ibadan to Omololu Olunloyo Polytechnic, with constituents expressing their dissatisfaction; the South-East zone’s concerns regarding NAPS zonal structures; the state of NAPS campuses; the conversion of polytechnics to universities in Nigeria; the debate over HND versus B.Tech qualifications; and health issues on campuses.
SUG Presidents from participating institutions were given the opportunity to voice challenges faced at their campuses, encouraging a collaborative approach to finding solutions.
The 44th Inaugural Senate Sitting of NAPS not only served as a crucial platform for advocacy but also reinforced the association’s commitment to improving polytechnic education in Nigeria, paving the way for future collaborations and meaningful change.
