The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate investigation into the alleged exploitation of students engaged in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by Polytechnic institutions. The demand was contained in a statement issued by NAPS National President, Jimoh Ibrahim.

Ibrahim alleged that some Polytechnic Institutions have commercialised the TVET initiative by demanding payments from students before allowing them to benefit from the programmes, describing the practice as unacceptable. He warned that institutions found exploiting students under the guise of implementing TVET must stop the practice immediately, stressing that education interventions designed to empower students must never become avenues for exploitation.

He called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to investigate the allegations and sanction any Institution found culpable. Ibrahim cautioned that should the exploitative practices continue, NAPS would mobilise every constitutional and democratic instrument available to it, including sustained advocacy, formal petitions, strategic engagement, peaceful mass action where necessary, and legal means, to protect the interests and future of Polytechnic students.

Ibrahim also condemned the continued discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders through the HND B.Sc. dichotomy, describing it as one of the greatest injustices in Nigeria's education system. He stated that the policy has denied competent Polytechnic graduates equal opportunities in employment, career progression, and national service, insisting that the injustice has lasted too long and must end.

NAPS further accused the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, of being anti technical education, alleging that he has shown he is against Polytechnic education in Nigeria. Ibrahim declared that Nigerian students would not watch the Minister destroy the Polytechnic sector, announcing a 14 day ultimatum from the date of the statement for Alausa to resign as Minister. He added that any Minister who does not prioritise the technological advancement of the nation is not worthy of the appointment.