The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has issued a bold and urgent call for the immediate inclusion of Polytechnic institutions in the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme, citing gross marginalization in the ongoing disbursement of student loans.
Speaking in Abuja, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, President of NAPS, addressed the nation alongside the National Executive Council (NEC) and National Senate Council (NSC), declaring that out of the N100 billion earmarked for student loans, only N28.8 billion has been accounted for—with no clear evidence of benefit to Polytechnic students.
“This exclusion is unacceptable and unconstitutional,” Oghayan stated. “We are demanding that Polytechnic students be immediately and equitably included in the disbursement of student loans. Our institutions are not inferior, and our students deserve the same support as their university counterparts.”
NAPS issued a five-day ultimatum to the NELFUND board to publicly provide:
A verifiable breakdown of how the N100 billion fund has been spent, Detailed figures showing how Polytechnic students benefited, if at all and a clear and immediate plan to redress the exclusion of Polytechnic institutions.
The association warned that failure to respond would trigger a nationwide protest, with 0.9% of its 28.1 million student population mobilized for peaceful demonstrations. In addition, NAPS said it would petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) for a full investigation into the disbursement process.
This strong advocacy comes on the heels of NAPS resolving its internal leadership crisis. In what President Oghayan described as a “rebirth through reconciliation,” the association held a peace and unity meeting in Abuja, where all factions agreed to unite under a harmonized structure. A Reconciliation Sub-Committee was formed, and the current leadership was reaffirmed: Oghayan continues as President, with Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide as Senate President.
“Our strength lies in unity,” Oghayan said. “This leadership is not about titles—it is about the responsibility to fight for every Polytechnic student.”
NAPS also used the occasion to commend:
Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the NBTE, for progressive reforms and his youth empowerment efforts, including the appointment of former NAPS President, Comr. Opeyemi Ridwan.
Comr. Sunday Dayo Asefon, SSA to the President on Student Engagement,
Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, and
Mr. Seyi Tinubu, for their continued advocacy and support for students.
The association congratulated Comrade Olushola Oladoja, the newly inaugurated President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), pledging collaboration in the broader struggle for educational justice.
Reaffirming NAPS’ position, Oghayan declared that Polytechnic students will not stand aside while their educational rights are sidelined.
“We are calling for action—not sympathy. Polytechnic students must be included in all national education initiatives. Anything less is injustice, and we will not be silent.”