NAPS Reunites: Polytechnic Students’ Body Ends Leadership Crisis, Issues Ultimatum Over Missing N71.2 Billion Student Loan

After months of internal wrangling, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has officially declared an end to its leadership crisis, unveiling a unified executive and vowing to hold authorities accountable over the alleged mismanagement of NELFUND student loan disbursements.

At a press conference held at Youth House, Garki Area 1, Abuja, NAPS President Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan announced that the association had successfully reconciled its factions following a pivotal stakeholders’ meeting on April 29–30. The peace accord, he said, marks the dawn of a new era for the body, now strengthened by what he described as a “Resolution of Peace and Unity.”

“Today, NAPS stands taller than ever before—unified, legitimate, and driven by purpose,” Oghayan declared. “Our leadership crisis is behind us, and we are ready to move forward in service of Nigeria’s polytechnic students.”

The reconciliation effort included the formation of a Reconciliation Sub-Committee and the establishment of a Harmonized Inauguration Committee, with Comrade Muhammed Eneji as Chairman and Enebele Choice Uchena as Vice Chairman. The official inauguration is slated for May 28 at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.

N71.2 Billion Loan Scandal: A Flashpoint for Action

Beyond internal matters, NAPS turned its focus to the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), where it alleges that out of the N100 billion allocated for student loans, only N28.8 billion reached students. The association has issued a five-day ultimatum demanding a detailed breakdown of the funds and specific data on how polytechnic students benefited.

“We demand full transparency,” Oghayan stated. “If the NELFUND board fails to respond, we will mobilize nearly 300,000 students nationwide, petition security agencies, and pursue justice through every legal channel available.”

Commendations and Confidence Votes

The association lauded Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), for his reforms and his appointment of Comrade Opeyemi Ridwan, immediate past NAPS President, to a significant role. Votes of confidence were also passed for Comrade Sunday Dayo Asefon, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, and Mr. Seyi Tinubu for their steadfast support of student interests.

Solidarity and Moving Forward

In a show of unity across Nigeria’s student movements, NAPS extended its congratulations to Comrade Olushola Oladoja, newly inaugurated President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

“We are more than an association; we are a movement rooted in justice and propelled by purpose,” Oghayan concluded, echoing the rallying cry: “NAPS is back. NAPS is united. NAPS is strong.”

The association’s next chapter begins with its inauguration later this month—one that promises both solidarity and scrutiny in equal measure.