Democracy Day: NAPS calls for security, education reforms

Nigeria's polytechnic students have called for strengthened national security measures, reforms in technical education, and greater youth involvement in the democratic process as the nation observes Democracy Day. The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) emphasized that democracy extends beyond elections to encompass peace, education, and meaningful national contribution.

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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.

NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, stated that insecurity poses one of Nigeria's greatest threats, impacting lives, businesses, and education. He expressed particular concern over the vulnerability of educational institutions, citing the recent abduction of students from the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State. Oghayan noted that this incident underscored the urgent need for improved security around tertiary institutions and their host communities.

"Educational institutions, which ought to serve as sanctuaries of learning and innovation, have increasingly become targets of criminal attacks," Oghayan lamented. He described the abduction as an example that exposed the vulnerability of many institutions and reinforced the need to enhance the security architecture around campuses and surrounding communities. NAPS has reportedly engaged with the Office of the Minister of State for Defence to seek solutions to the crisis.

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Educational institutions, which ought to serve as sanctuaries of learning and innovation, have increasingly become targets of criminal attacks.

The student body, representing over 28.1 million students, also praised the successful rescue of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State in November 2025 as evidence of effective security coordination. While acknowledging ongoing efforts, NAPS urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify investments in intelligence gathering and proactive security measures to safeguard citizens and educational facilities.

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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.