Democracy Day: NAPS calls for security, education reforms

Middle: NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, during the press conference held in Abuja on Friday. Photo credit: NAPS

The National Association of Polytechnic Students has called for stronger national security measures, reforms in technical education, economic relief for Nigerians, and increased youth participation in the democratic process as the country marks Democracy Day. Speaking during a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, said the student body joined Nigerians in reflecting on the country’s democratic journey, achievements, and challenges. Oghayan stated, “Democracy is not merely about periodic elections; it is about building a nation where citizens can live in peace, pursue education without fear, engage in productive enterprise, and contribute meaningfully to national development.” The student leader stated that NAPS, which represents over 28.1 million students in polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technology across Nigeria and the diaspora, considered it a patriotic duty to speak on issues affecting the nation and offer recommendations that would strengthen democracy and promote national development. Addressing the security situation in the country, the NAPS president described insecurity as one of the greatest threats confronting Nigeria, noting that attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements had continued to affect lives, businesses, investments and education. He expressed concern over the growing vulnerability of educational institutions, citing the recent abduction of students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State. According to him, the incident underscored the urgent need for improved security around tertiary institutions and their host communities. He lamented, “Educational institutions, which ought to serve as sanctuaries of learning and innovation, have increasingly become targets of criminal attacks. “A recent example is the unfortunate abduction of students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State. This incident exposed the vulnerability of many educational institutions and reinforced the urgent need to enhance security architecture around our campuses and host communities.” Oghayan disclosed that following the incident, NAPS engaged the Office of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to seek solutions to the crisis. “On the 9th of June, 2026, we were granted an audience at the Ship House, Abuja, where we held a frank, productive, and solution-driven engagement regarding the safe rescue of the abducted students,” he