Polytechnic Students Demand Sack of Minister Bosun Tijani Over Data Breach, Failed 3MTT Program

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called for the immediate removal of Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, citing poor performance and failed leadership in key areas of Nigeria’s digital development.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Senate President, Sen. Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, and Clerk, Comrade Jimoh Ibrahim, the students accused the minister of failing to protect citizens’ sensitive data, mismanaging the Federal Government’s flagship 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, and disconnecting from the youths he once inspired.

Data Breach Allegations

According to NAPS, under Tijani’s watch, Nigerians’ personal data—including National Identification Numbers (NIN), Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), passports, and driver’s licenses—were recklessly exposed and sold online for as little as ₦200. The association described this as a “direct betrayal of public trust” and a glaring failure in safeguarding the nation’s digital identity.

Collapse of the 3MTT Program

The students also criticized the poor execution of the 3MTT initiative, which was announced as a major opportunity to train young Nigerians in technical skills. NAPS claims that training partners were left unpaid, participants dropped out in large numbers, and in states like Katsina, only 400 out of 1,400 participants completed the first cohort. They argued that what was meant to be a beacon of hope has instead turned into a disappointment.

Leadership Disconnect

NAPS further accused the minister of being “inaccessible and disconnected” from the public, stressing that his policies lack impact and have failed to resonate with the people he was appointed to serve.

Planned Nationwide Protest

As a result, the association announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest to pressure the Federal Government into sacking Tijani. They described the planned action as the “mother of all protests,” set to take place at strategic locations across the country.

While expressing readiness for confrontation, NAPS said it remains open to dialogue with the government. “This is not politics. This is accountability. This is the voice of Nigerian students demanding responsible leadership,” the statement read.