By Miriam Ike, Abuja

The National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS, has elected a new National Executive Council at its 2026 National Convention held at Kapital Klub Hall, Asokoro, Abuja.

The convention, themed “Strengthening Polytechnic Education for National Development through Unity, Innovation and Strategic Leadership”, had accredited delegates from 191 Polytechnics, Monotechnics and Colleges of Technology across the six geopolitical zones. It reviewed the state of polytechnic education, student welfare, and national security.

NAPS commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing education under the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing sustained TETFund financing, the expansion of NELFUND, increased investment in technical education, and ongoing infrastructure development in Federal Polytechnics.

The association called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on students’ hostel infrastructure across tertiary institutions in the country. It also urged government to strengthen security architecture around tertiary institutions to prevent future attacks and guarantee safe learning environments.

NAPS applauded security agencies for the successful rescue of the Rector, staff and students of Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda in Zamfara State.

On student welfare, the association called for the abolition of the loan “refund system” under NELFUND. It argued that the system creates financial inconvenience for students and undermines the objective of an interest-free, student-friendly loan scheme.

In a peaceful election conducted during the convention, delegates elected Comrade Jimoh Ibrahim of Federal Polytechnic Bida as National President.

Others elected are Comrade Festus Agofure of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara as Senate President, and Comrade Lawal Lukman of Abdul Gusau Polytechnic as Secretary General.