NAPS Condemns FRSC’s Directive to Impound Student Vehicles, Threatens Nationwide Protest

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly condemned the recent directive by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to impound vehicles belonging to National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) structures across the country. In a statement issued on February 5th, 2025, NAPS described the directive as “reckless and provocative,” labeling it an outright attack on Nigerian students and their movement.

NAPS, in solidarity with NANS, expressed outrage over the action, which they believe infringes on students’ fundamental rights, particularly their mobility for advocacy and representation. The association emphasized that while the FRSC is mandated to ensure road safety, targeting student organizations for intimidation is unjustifiable. NAPS President, Comrade Oyewumi Joy Festus, vowed that the student body would not remain silent while their rights are violated.

“We will not stand idly by while our rights are trampled upon. This is a direct assault on the student body,” Festus said.

The statement further outlined NAPS’ demands for the immediate reversal of the directive, an official dialogue with NANS and other student bodies to address concerns, and an end to the harassment of student leaders.

NAPS warned that if the FRSC proceeds with the directive, students across the nation will mobilize for mass protests and shutdowns of FRSC offices. “We will ensure the Corps feels the full weight of our resistance,” the statement declared.

The group urged the Corps Marshal to reconsider the directive, calling for calm and respect in addressing the concerns of the student community.