Polytechnic Students Reject Bill Seeking University Degree for Local Government Chairmen

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly opposed a proposed bill that would make a university degree the minimum qualification for contesting the position of Local Government Chairman. The bill, which recently passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, has sparked concerns over its discriminatory impact on polytechnic graduates.

In a statement released by NAPS, the student body condemned the bill as an attack on educational equity, arguing that it deepens the divide between university and polytechnic graduates. According to Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, National President of NAPS, the move undermines years of efforts to establish parity between holders of Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and university degrees.

Concerns Over Discrimination and Marginalization

NAPS highlighted several key issues with the proposed legislation:

• Exclusion of Polytechnic Graduates – The bill sidelines millions of Nigerians with HNDs, despite their technical and managerial expertise, further marginalizing them in employment and leadership opportunities.
• Violation of Educational Equity – By prioritizing university degrees, the legislation disregards the federal government’s commitment to bridging the gap between HND and BSc qualifications.
• Contradiction of Ongoing Reforms – The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been working toward harmonizing polytechnic and university education. NAPS argues that the bill directly contradicts these reforms.
• Leadership Beyond Certificates – The association emphasized that governance is about competence, experience, and vision—not just academic qualifications. Many polytechnic graduates have proven their capabilities in leadership roles across various sectors.

Call for Amendment

NAPS has called on the National Assembly to reconsider the bill and amend it to recognize both university degrees and HNDs as valid qualifications for local government chairmanship. The association stressed that governance should be inclusive and reflect the diverse educational backgrounds of Nigerians.

“Education should be a tool for national development, not a barrier to leadership,” the statement read. “We will resist any policy that undermines the recognition of polytechnic education in Nigeria.”

With growing opposition from students and education stakeholders, the fate of the controversial bill remains uncertain as the debate continues within the National Assembly.