Mrs Mercy Omowunmi Ojo, Registrar Dental Therapist Registration Board gets Inducted into NAPS Hall of Fame as a TrailBlazer.

Mrs Mercy O. Ojo the Registrar of Dental Therapist Registration Board of Nigeria, a technocrat, great philantropist and a Mother  has been indected into the HALL OF FAME  by National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) on 12th June, 2018 for outstanding economic contribution and human capital development.

The honour which is the highest honor of the association was conferred on he at her office in Lagos by NAPS officials in a delegation that cut across the six geo- political zones of Nigeria.

The leader of the delegation said the honour is in recognition of the empowerment of youth through the numerous capacity development initiatives being carried out by the recipient, Mrs Mercy O. Ojo, the lives she is touching as well as her positive impacts to the society.

He told the award recipient that  haven confirm her to be an honourable person with honourable deeds the association is glad to be associated with her and many of her likes will be neededtp repositio the country Nigeria. The NAPS official said they are impressed with her great works and detribalized disposition.

He said the honour is based on merit and encouraged the recipient to continue to do more of het laudable human capacity building initiative towards making Nigeria better at large.

NAPS said having beamed its searchlight in the realm of technocrats across the Country, they spotlighted a rear gem, definition of integrity, a profound youth and students emancipator, an unsurpassed philanthropist, a diligent technocrat, someone who abhors social suppression and one who embraces social coexistence in person of Mrs Mercy O. Ojo.
They commended her humility, ingenuity in  her professional prowess and transcendent contribution in the sustenance  of the Dental sector.

NAPS said Mrs Mercy has remained a mother to students and youths and they have heard of her assistances to students, youths and needy hence the honour is to spur her to do more.
They said she has outgrown the restrictions of tribe, social status, region and religion in the display of her  magnanimous benevolence.

The sand of time has recorded successfully the contributions to human capacity development, national integration, economic progress, institutional strengthening and national reformation NAPS said.

The honour is in recognition of her unsurpassed performance in her leadership style, determination for workable Nigeria, resilience in the quest for academic revolution, concerted efforts in ensuring peace development, human capital development and unprecedented action plan for the progress of our economy.

Speech of NAPS National Secretariat, given by Cmr. Olubode Damola who eulogized the award recipient for her human capacity building development drive. He further assures her that her fight is now the fight of the association, you battle is our battle and your joy is our smile he said.
They also made a clarion call to the Federal Government and critical stakeholders to ensure the monstrous injustice called HND/BSC dichotomy is nipped permanently in the bud.

The recipient said the honour came to her as a surprise and thanked the Students for finding her worthy for such meritorious honor.

She said she never knew that the little things she is doing are being recognized, appreciated and celebrated by people. She admonished the youths to trust in God, be hardworking, remain focused and ensure they refuse peanuts from politicians who will want to misuse them for their parochial political interests.

She urged them to avoid use and dump politicians who will want them to do what their children wouldn’t do. She promised to always support the youths to ensure they are improved at appreciable levels.
“I will continue to empower and support youth, our great leaders and engine room of our development not minding what people say” Mrs Ojo said.
She said the youths must be ready to tell her the truth whenever she is wrong.

She dedicated the honour to the youths, and all staffs of theDental Registration Board of Nigeria who has mad it possible for her reign to be successful, and thanked those present to witness the award presentation.

Mrs Mercy O. Ojo was later inducted into NAPS Hall of fame after receiving her certificate of induction and decoration by NAPS National VP who charged her to bring in her wealth of experience towards developing the entire Ministry of health, as we hope to see her become the next Minister of Health.
He congratulated the recipient.

APPEAL FOR THE COMPLETE ABOLISHMENT OF HND/BSc DICHOTOMY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PAST & PRESENT RESOLUTIONS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ESTABLISHMENT

We, the (NAPS) National Association of Polytechnic Students and (CCHH) Coalition of Concerned HND Holders brings to the notice of all Nigerians the contributions made by the Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates over the years to the growth of Science and Technology, and for many years how we have been grossly marginalised and side-lined by the Federal Government, especially the various ministers of education, who have failed to act on our behalf to address our complaints, as we see the Minister of Interior in July 2017, removing the dichotomy in all paramilitary services, which his power covers, (HND and BSc. Regularizes already you can find out) why the double standard in the same country.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) had at various times voiced out and protested about the treatment of HND graduates in all sectors of the Nigerian labour market, yet nothing has been done. Polytechnic education is now being regarded as vocational studies, as witnessed by several professional bodies that have refused to recognise HND, yet accredit the same courses of study at the Polytechnics.

The HND/BSC dichotomy still survive this long due to poor or no implementation of policy statement. Struggle against HND/BSC dichotomy has always record tremendous victory in its agitation, but are faced with execution challenges from conscienceless power in authority.Several pronouncements of  the abolishment of the dichotomy but the development are massively stampeded by cabals who derive joy in the unwarranted superiority contest of the duo certificate.

Its imperative we  remind the Head of Service (HoS) and the National Council on Establishment (NCE) that there is public knowledge of various resolutions being reached at their various meetings in time past, including the last one in 2016 which has never been captured in the communiqué not to talk of implementing such, the few that ever saw the light of the day, such as abolishing the HND/BSc dichotomy at the 39th session of the council dated 18th to 22nd July 2016 cannot be implemented since the HoS has not seen the need to forward same to the Federal Executive Council for ratification and full implementation by all government agencies.

NAPS as a body knows that it is not all resolution reached at the 39th council meeting that was printed as a paper or communiqué that is ever available in circulation.
Such as
1.) Approval of the removal of the dichotomy in the public sector as it affects the bridging programme-Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) to enable them progress to grade level 17.
2.) The review of the scheme to enable HND Certificate holders to reach the maximum grade in the civil service upon completion of the bridging programme.
We will appreciate the immediate release of the circular as it affects the entry levels into the Federal Civil Service and appeal that the FEC also ratifies all resolutions made at the last NCE council.
These resolutions when implemented fully will be the beginning of the journey to full consideration of what scientific and technical education really stand for, it will affect the morale of millions of Nigerian workers who for years have been side lined due to their academic qualification. These are workers that have been demoralised and stagnated, even though they excel in their various fields.
This discrimination is most prevalent in the construction industry, especially in the field of architecture where the government regulatory body ARCON has refused to accredit or acknowledge the qualifications of the HND graduates. These graduates are subjected to humiliating 6 year duration of qualifying Professional Practice Examinations (PPE Finals 1, 2 and 3) by the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), while the current executives of ARCON have refused to register candidates that have passed all qualifying exams. ARCON has continually disregarded and refused to recognise the PGD in Architecture run by accredited universities in Nigeria, even with the NCE approving PGD as a bridging programme. Those who have done the bridging programme are still denied the chance to write the PPE Finals 3, while the civil service regulation only recognises BSc as the foundation for Architects in Nigeria.
As NCE council meeting is on going in Owerri, in her 40th assembly, it is noteworthy to emphasis on the need to capture properly in their communiqué the removal of HND BSc dichotomy through the bridge program (PGD) as reached in the 39th meeting in Minna. Also hopping to see what the engineers has achieved for her members in terms of placement and remuneration which we are not even sure it will not go in the way of the previous resolutions.
NAPS leadership hereby strongly implore President Mohamadu Buhari not to leave our future in the hand of NCE, Head of Service of the Federation, Ministers, head of Parastaters and the rest of them, thereby he should step into this matter and put things straight as the Executive President, we can't afford to graduate only to join the injustice melted upon HND graduates in the labour market  name of dichotomy.
We  hereby appeal and urge the HoS to put an end to this by rewriting the history books and enabling change in the direction of progressive development, which will truly begin by emancipating HND graduates and harnessing their full potentials for National Development.
The removal of this dichotomy, among other perceived institutionalised and discriminatory policies has been at the top of a list of demands by ASUP and has been the motivation for several industrial crises in both the public and private sectors. The bill seeking to stop this age long dichotomy has passed the second reading in the House of Representatives and we will urge that this bill be passed into law expediently.
We are calling for the autonomy of Polytechnics education in Nigeria, theories without practical is nothing but manipulations, Science and Technology flows together so President Buhari should ensure BSc and HND goes together and are treated the same.

NCE council should look into all past and present resolutions and forward same to the federal executive council for necessary action.

All minister of the federal republic of Nigeria should look into the issue of HND/BSc dichotomy in each of their ministries along with parastaters under them.
That NBTE should arise and resume her constitutional role over the products of her institution so accredited just like her counterpart body NUC.
We are optimistic on the struggle for the abolishment of HND/BSC dichotomy,  as we urge that the President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces, the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly and the National Council on Establishment to be our heroes, to be the champions of millions of Nigerian Youths who have been disenfranchised by this separatist policy and icons that will be remembered for changing Nigerian lives for good.

The struggle continues for the liberation of the polytechnic system from discrimination. #SAYNOTOHND/BSCDICHOTOMY #POLYTECHNICMUSTAWARDB.Tech.

Comrade Olugbode H Damola
National Vice President
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)

Comrade Olawole S Kolawole
Rep. Coalition of Concerned HND Holders

NAPS DEMAND INCLUSION OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNICS IN THE ENERGIZING EDUCATION PROGRAMME INITIATIVE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has propose an Energizing Education Programme (EEP) initiative to rejuvenate the education system through electrifying a total of 37 federal universities and & 7 university teaching hospitals, with Independent Power Plants (IPPS), which is aimed at boosting effective learning, innovation and advancement through uninterrupted power supply.

The programme as good as it seems, is cooked with discrimination against the Polytechnic education, with no excuse good enough to justify the exclusion of Federal Polytechnics from the Energizing Education Programme other than discrimination at its peak. A programme to rejuvenate the education system sectionalized only to the university community without consideration for the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education is a proposed plan to kill other educational system in the country.

Extending electrification to rural and underserved areas where the institutions are located ultimately as part of the benefit of the programme is the more reason why Polytechnics and other educational system must partake in the initiative. Polytechnic are more located in remote areas, whatever criteria’s that chooses Federal Universities should accommodate Federal Polytechnics to give a level developmental grounds for all the system in the educational sector.

It is disheartening that the Federal Ministry of Education is a party to the discrimination against the Polytechnic education, the supervising Ministry of educational activities in Nigeria which is expected to know better and guild her counterpart ministry on how to go about the Programme failed, only to give consent to the segregation of other sectors to facilitate an interactive session with the vice chancellors and directors of physical planning of the affected universities.

National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) frown at the discrimination, calls for the inclusion of Federal Polytechnics in the EEP Initiative, Polytechnics should be given the benefit to enjoy an uninterrupted and dedicated power supply through the Off-grid Independent Power Project electricity, and also optimized security for the safety and wellbeing of students and staff through the installation of streetlights on campus.

Polytechnics as institution with practical based orientations are more in need of constant power supply to meet up world class trainings, research and teachings can be boost to professionalism, with significant impact on the quality of graduates produced, thereafter contributing remarkably to the production and invention of technology in Nigeria.

NAPS leadership would not hesitate to mobilize Polytechnic Students to the streets to press home the inclusion of Federal Polytechnics in the EEP Initiate, what is good for the geese is equally good for the gander. Polytechnics should not be subdue, segregated or discriminated against for any reason whatsoever. The sincerity of the Federal government to abolish the HND/ BSC dichotomy is in doubt and can only be redeemed by the immediate capturing of polytechnics in the proposed EEPI programme.

Signed

Comrade Olugbode Damola H
NAPS National Vice President (National Affairs) 08068360731

POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS APPRECIATE THE REVERSAL OF HIKE IN KWARAPOLY SCHOOL FEES

The action and inaction of man cannot be erase on planet earth but will echo till eternity.

We give glory to Almighty God who in his infinite mercy crown our efforts and struggles with victory, if not God build the house labourers only labour in vain.

One will recall the struggles, protest and cries of Kwara State Polytechnic Students over the unjust Increment of the school fees across board to the tune of Eighty-nine thousand Naira (N89,000), and the denial of school fee increments by the school management, claiming to be implementing an alien policy that says " the amount you pay in your first year is what you pay in your second year".

This conflicting positions of both parties has put the public in the dark until the prompt intervention of the Kwara State House of Assembly where it was established that there was actually an increment after proper investigation.

A Joint committee of the Executive and the legislative was thereafter setup to find a lasting solution to cries of the students which resolves the school fees be reduced far below what the students pay in 2016/2017 academic session and the school management must follow due process before any increment in future. Modalities should also be put in place to refund excesses to students who had already paid the new tuition fee.

We appreciate the Kwara State House of Assembly under the leadership of Dr Ali Ahmad for their swift intervention, fair hearings from both parties and sincere disposition on the matter. It is a sign that the Kwara State House of Assembly is a composition of the masses conscious members, with orientation that government is of the people, by the people and for the people. Today will not be forgotten so easily in the mind of Kwara State Polytechnic Students and the Nigeria Students at large.

We appreciate the immeasurable effort of the Senate President of Nigeria (Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki),Kwara State Governor (His excellency Dr. Abdulfatai Ahmed) and all other institutions involved in the resolution of the Tuition fee increment Saga.

Our unreserved apologies to the management of Kwara State Polytechnic for our actions and inactions perceived to be unruly in the cause of agitating the struggle, we are students and that reason why they are our managers. We want to reaffirm our readiness to work with the school as partners in progress and sustain cordial relationship for the betterment of the institution.

All students of Kwara State Polytechnic are advice to make full payment of their school fees before the end of January, maintain peaceful mutual co-existence to sustain an uninterrupted academic activities.

Freedom Cometh by Struggle!

I salute the courage of all dogged students who stood firm on the agitation amidst intimidation, victimization and other threats with the believe that there comes light at the end of every tunnel and appreciate all activist who lend their voice to the struggle in solidarity, also we acknowledge the efforts of media houses,Security Operatives,Student Activist,Public/Social Affairs analysts,and the general public in contribution to the struggle.

Viva Aluta

National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) : New Year New Dimension

We wish all Nigerian students of the Polytechnic extraction, the general student populace and Nigerians as a whole a Happy New Year. May the new year bring new blessings, opportunities and breakthrough to your door steps and turn all your dreams into reality.

Every moment of life is new, every second's minute's and hour's of everyday, week's and month's in every Year is new and worth celebrating for the gift of life. The completion of a calendar is a start over of a new count, which can also be a mere continuation of life to many individuals.

New year can only be considered remarkable, if unbox with achievable resolutions, new turn of event, activities and achievement worth reckoning with. The previous year 2017 was more of political activities in NAPS, clashing with the interest of the association, Nigeria Polytechnic Students and the oppressed our voice speaks for.

The new year will be of a new dimension in the operations of NAPS with total concentration on the complete abolishment of the HND / BSC dichotomy with leverage on the political nature of the year. The affairs of the association will run strictly in accordance with the constitution, genuine struggles to liberate the oppressed from the shackles of oppressors. Motivational and inspirational programs package will be unveil in series for the benefit of the students.

Our leadership is committed than ever to force out our fair share in the activities of National Association of Nigeria Students ( NANS) especially in the forth coming NANS Convention, it is time to have a NANS President from the Polytechnics, it will not be business as usual. We will mobilize support for our own and standby the mandate.

NAPS will be taking a new dimension this year with zero tolerance for sabotage, impersonations and sales of student struggles. All corrupt element hiding under the association name are advised to repent or stay clear the activities of NAPS for the our Leadership under the watch of Comrade Mohammed Eneji as National President will not condole nonsense.

Once again we wish you all Happy New Year.

Come Olugbode Damola Hammed
NAPS Vice President (National Affairs)
08068360731

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLYTECHNICS STUDENTS (NAPS) GETS NEW LEADERSHIP

BEING THE COMMUNIQUE OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS NAPS NATIONAL CONGRESS HELD AT KOGI STATE POLYTECHNIC LOKOJA BETWEEN 7TH - 8TH DECEMBER, 2017

PREAMBLE

National Association of Polytechnic Students NAPS being an umbrella body for polytechnic, Monotechnics, Colleges of Technology and other allied Institutions awarding National and Higher National Diploma across the six geo-political zones of the federation.

The incumbent National Executive under the leadership of Comr Adeyeye Olugbenga Pilot of Federal Polytechnic Bida Niger State and the Senate Leadership led by Comr Jeremiah Friday of Petroleum Training Institute Efunrun Delta State whose consuming passion to transit united and indivisible NAPS informed their wide consultation within Stakeholders, Security Agency including NAPS Constitution to ensure unity of our dear Association.

Sequel to kaduna Polytechnic NAPS National Convention which followed with miss feelings and controversies couple with proposed parallel convention Schedule at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi.

The result of the consultations recommend emergency summon of National Congress as supprem organ of NAPS to profer solution to the impending leadership crisis and tempting backalnization of our dear Association along the interest line.

The National congress which has student union presidents, former and incumbent leaders of NAPS and student delegates from. 124 affiliate Institutions/unions in attendance under the observation of security operatives from department of state service, Nigeria Police Force and State Intelligence Bureau.

The Accreditation of 124 delegates conducted and monitored by office of the Assistant Secretary General of NAPS Comr. Olalere Benedict with official opening  declaration by outgoing National President of NAPS Comr Adeyeye Olugbega Pilot in company of his Vice President National Affairs Comr Seriki Ibrahim and Senate President Comr Jeremiah Friday followed with unanimous election of Amb S A Lukman #AIG former Senate President of NAPS through voice voting pattern as congress Chairman which came unopposed.

The successful election of congress chairman who took over the proceeding of the congress came with the following resolution after exhaustive and robust deliberation by delegates and members on ground for the congress.

1. Kaduna Polytechnic controversial Convention stand null and void holding to the fact that the process lack merit and it remain un- inclusive.

2. That the 2017 National Convention Planning Committee headed by Comr Tijani Mustapha Stand dissolved, as such no individual or group of persons are empowered by the provision of NAPS constitution henceforth to call or convey a National convention for the purpose of election of new Executives for NAPS.

3. The congress dissolved the incumbent executive led by Olugbega Adeyeye Pilot, senate led by Jeremiah Friday and all other ad-hoc  committee (S).

4. The congress proceeded with election of new Executives to pilot the affairs of NAPS for the next one academic session 2017/2018 to avoid vacuum as well adopt voice voting pattern to ascertain the consent of the congress on the consensus list presented by each geopolitical zones.

5. The following list contains the names and institutions of elected officials base on consensus with congress consent via voice vote.

1. Muhammed Eneji- President Kogi State Polytechnic lokoja

2. Olugbola Damola- Vice President National Affairs Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa

3. Musa Yabagi Babaanini- Secretary General Kogi State Polytechnic lokoja

4. Okusu William - Vice President External Delta state Polytechnic Oghara Otefe

5. Ogbelola Tobilola Muizz - Vice President Special Duties Ogun State ICT Polytechnic Itori

6. Adekanbi Sunday - Senate President kaduna Polytechnic

7. Nkporun Chambaleen- Deputy Senate President Federal Polytechnic Nekede Imo State

8. Okoroji Uzodimma Victor- Assistant Secretary General Federal Polytechnic Oko Anambra State

9. Olaniyan Ifedayo- Treasurer Federal Polytechnic Offa Kwara State

10. Ijaduoye Olasunkanmi- P.R.O Ogun State ICT Polytechnic Saapade

11. Queen Onyeagba- Financial Secretary Institute Of Management Technology Enugu

12. Isah Ibrahim Nation Provost Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin

13. Alhassan Bashirat- Vice President North Central Federal Polytechnic Bida Niger State

14. Lukman Lawal Orbama- Vice President North West. Abdul Gusau Polytechnic Talata Marfa Zamfara State

15. Frank Nzenwa- Vice President South East Federal Polytechnic Nekede Imo State

16. Minima Andy Okpukpo-Vice President  South South Ken Sarowiwa Polytechnic Bori Rivers State

17. Aliyu Samad - Vice President South West. Federal Cooperative College Eleyele Ibadan Oyo State

18. Joseph Ezekiel Temitope - Director  of Sport Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo Ondo State

19. Sulyman Ayodeji Mumen - Director of Contact & Mobilization Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin

20. Isimikhai Abusal - Director of Travel & Exchange  Auchi Polytechnic Auchi Edo State

21. Ugwo Anthony - Ex Official 1 Federal Polytechnic Ede Osun State

While Director of Campus Affairs, Vice President North East, Director of Conflict Resolution, and Ex Officio II shall be elect and appointed during the next senate meeting and  oath of office was administered for all newly elected officials follow by official Handing over and transfer of handing over note between immediate past National President Comr Adeyeye Olugbega Pilot of Federal Polytechnic Bida and the newly sworn In National president Comr Mohammed Eneji of kogi state polytechnic lokoja

Congress adjourned till further notice.

Signed

Amb S A Lukman#AIG
Congress Chairman

CC :
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PUBLIC NOTICE.