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NAPS Southwest Decries Fuel Hike, Insecurity, Seeks Urgent Government Intervention
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NAPS Southwest Decries Fuel Hike, Insecurity, Seeks Urgent Government Intervention
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The newly elected leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Southwest Zone, has raised concerns over the rising cost of petroleum products and growing insecurity in the country, calling on the Federal Government to take urgent action to ease the burden on students and improve the state of education.
Addressing journalists on Saturday, during a press conference at Osun NUJ Correspondent’s Chapel, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of NAPS, Comrade Ogunsola Adewale John, said the prevailing economic situation has worsened the living conditions of polytechnic students, with increases in transportation, accommodation and other basic expenses.
According to him, “the current rise in petroleum prices has placed an additional burden on students and their families, making it increasingly difficult to cope with daily academic and living demands.”
He explained that the situation is already affecting the quality of education in polytechnics, particularly in the area of practical learning.
“The high cost of petroleum has contributed to the decline in standard, as many institutions can no longer conduct proper practicals. In some cases, alternative methods are being used, which do not reflect the true purpose of polytechnic education,” he said.
Ogunsola also noted that lecturers and non-academic staff are not spared from the impact, adding that higher transportation and living costs have affected their productivity and morale.
“There is growing pressure for salary adjustments, and institutions are finding it difficult to sustain academic activities, especially those that require fieldwork and practical sessions,” he added.
The student body called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by addressing the continuous increase in fuel prices and introducing support measures for students.
“We urge the Federal Government to take steps to regulate the rising cost of petroleum products and to provide palliative measures, including the subsidisation of polytechnic education,” he said.
On the issue of insecurity, the NAPS leader described the situation as a serious national challenge that continues to threaten lives and disrupt academic activities.
He said, “the growing wave of insecurity, including kidnapping, banditry and armed robbery, has created fear among students and communities.
Many students now live in constant anxiety, both on and off campus.”
Ogunsola stressed that the situation requires urgent and coordinated action. “We call on government at all levels to strengthen the capacity of security agencies, improve intelligence gathering and ensure that those responsible for criminal acts are brought to justice,” he said.
He also urged community leaders, religious institutions and civil society groups to support efforts aimed at promoting peace and vigilance, noting that “security is a collective responsibility.”
The association further expressed concern over what it described as the continued disparity between polytechnic lecturers and their counterparts in universities. “This imbalance has persisted for too long and undermines the growth of the polytechnic system. We call for equitable welfare, proper recognition and necessary policy reforms,” he said.
NAPS also appealed to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to address irregularities in the private polytechnic sector. Ogunsola stated that “there is a need for the NBTE to review the activities of some private institutions that fall below acceptable standards and withdraw accreditation where necessary.”
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and partnership, the association called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, school authorities and student leaders to improve welfare and ensure quality education.
“We remain committed to representing the interests of students with integrity and responsibility, while promoting unity and academic excellence across the region,” he said.
