NAPS to NYSC: Reinstate Part-Time Students or Face Nationwide Protest

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly criticized the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over the ongoing mobilization issues affecting part-time students.

At a press briefing in Ibadan, Oyo State, held at the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, NAPS President, Comrade Oyewumi Festus, denounced the NYSC’s decision to exclude part-time students from its camps and halt their mobilization.

“We urge the Chief of Staff to the President to step in and address this situation by directing the NYSC to reverse this unfair policy,” Festus stated. He described the exclusion of part-time students from the NYSC scheme as discriminatory and unacceptable.

Festus clarified that only full-time Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates are eligible for NYSC mobilization, not Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holders, and urged the NYSC to adhere to this standard.

He also commended Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, for his efforts in tackling security challenges and praised President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing student welfare, particularly in providing palliatives and transportation support.

Additionally, NAPS called for a thorough review of the polytechnic curriculum to ensure graduates are well-equipped for the evolving job market.

The association also vowed to resist the recent increase in data rates by MTN and other telecom providers, pledging solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in opposing the hike.

NAPS concluded with a firm call for immediate action to address the challenges faced by polytechnic students in Nigeria.

“We will not stop advocating for students’ rights and welfare until justice is served,” Festus declared. “Aluta Continua!”