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PRESS STATEMENT ON THE PROPOSED BILL REQUIRING A UNIVERSITY DEGREE AS THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has expressed its deep concern regarding the recent passage, for second reading, of a bill by the House of Representatives that seeks to make a university degree the minimum qualification for contesting the position of Local Government Chairman. While the association recognizes the value of education in the governance process, it strongly opposes the bill, stating that it will only deepen the division between university and polytechnic education—a division NAPS has been actively working to eliminate.

NAPS highlights that stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have long worked to ensure parity between university and polytechnic graduates, with both institutions playing essential roles in national development. However, the passage of this bill sends a discriminatory and exclusionary message, which undermines the importance of polytechnic education and perpetuates the misconception that it is inferior to university education.

Key Concerns:
Marginalization of Polytechnic Graduates: The bill excludes millions of Nigerians who have earned Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) from polytechnics, despite their considerable technical and managerial competencies. By excluding HND holders, the bill reinforces long-standing bias against polytechnic graduates, limiting their opportunities in both employment and career advancement.

Violation of Educational Equity: Both universities and polytechnics are crucial to Nigeria’s educational system and national development. By making a university degree the only acceptable qualification, the bill disregards the federal government’s ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between HND and BSc holders, further deepening inequality in the education sector.

Contradiction of Ongoing Reforms: Recent efforts by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and other relevant agencies have been geared toward harmonizing the recognition of polytechnic and university graduates. This proposed bill undermines those efforts and erodes the progress made toward equal recognition of both academic paths.

Restriction of Leadership Opportunities: Leadership in governance is not defined solely by academic qualifications but also by experience, competence, and vision. Excluding capable individuals based on their institution type is discriminatory. Many polytechnic graduates have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in various governmental and administrative roles.

NAPS’ Demand:
In light of these concerns, NAPS is calling on the National Assembly to reconsider the bill and amend it to include both university degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) as valid qualifications for contesting the position of Local Government Chairman. Governance, NAPS asserts, should be inclusive, valuing diverse educational backgrounds, skills, and competence, rather than fostering division within the education sector.

The association emphasizes that education should remain a tool for national development, and any policy that creates unnecessary barriers to leadership based on academic qualification is regressive. NAPS remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the equal recognition of all forms of tertiary education in Nigeria and will continue to oppose any policy that undermines this principle.

Co-Signed:

Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide,
National President,
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)

Comrade Jimoh Ibrahim,
National PRO,
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)

*VINEYARD Christian Ministries Inc Set for Historic 37th Anniversary Celebration with “From Glory to Glory”

The Vineyard Christian Ministries INC, Aka “The Glorious Church”, is preparing for a momentous celebration of its 37th Anniversary alongside its annual “From Glory to Glory” program. The five-day spiritual event will take place from Wednesday, April 2nd to Sunday, April 6th, 2025, at the ministry’s international headquarters located at 34/36 Osolo Way, Off International Airport Road in Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos.

Archbishop John Alagbala Adebayo Osa-Oni, the presiding cleric and General Overseer, revealed in an exclusive interview that this year’s celebration will feature an extraordinary gathering of anointed ministers. “We are bringing forth men that God has powerfully used throughout the years, spiritual giants including Pastor Fred Obetoh, Rev. Toyin Kehinde, Bishop Femi Soneye, Bishop Felix Ogadeji, and numerous other mighty men of God,” the Archbishop declared with great anticipation.

The conference promises to be a transformative experience, with Archbishop John Alagbala Adebayo Osa-Oni emphasizing that attendees should expect “Raw manifestations of God through miracles, prophetic words, and anointed praise.” He further explained that while celebrating the ministry’s anniversary remains central, the event primarily serves as a special thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness throughout these 37 years and it’s a journey of His Grace. Reiterating that Thursday 3rd of April is billed as the date of the Anniversary as a remembrance where the ministry was given birth to, so 3rd April will be Grace as a celebrated day of the Anniversary.

The meticulously planned program includes a Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday to commemorate God’s faithfulness, followed by a Miracles and Deliverance Night on Thursday for supernatural healings and breakthroughs. Friday will feature a Prophetic Impartation Service for destiny-changing prophecies, while Saturday is dedicated to a Praise Extravaganza with top gospel ministers. The week will culminate with a Grand Finale Service on Sunday, marking the conclusion of this spiritual journey.

Since its establishment in 1988, VINEYARD Christian Ministries Inc has grown from humble beginnings to become a multinational ministry with branches across Nigeria and several African nations. Under Archbishop John Alagbala Adebayo Osa-Oni’s visionary leadership, the ministry has significantly impacted communities through various initiatives including free skill acquisition centers, educational scholarship programs, medical outreach services, and prison ministry efforts.

As anticipation builds for this landmark event, church members and well-wishers nationwide have taken to social media to share testimonies of the ministry’s impact, using the hashtag #GloriousChurchAt37.

The church administration has made comprehensive preparations to accommodate the expected large turnout, including overflow facilities and special arrangements for out-of-town visitors, with security and traffic management plans in place to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees.

“This Anniversary represents more than a celebration – it’s a divine appointment that will redefine destinies,” Archbishop Osa-Oni affirmed, extending an open invitation to all seeking spiritual transformation. “Come expecting, for God is prepared to do something extraordinary.”