NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Southwest has strongly condemned the continued delay in the passage of the bill aimed at ending the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) qualifications in Nigeria. The association has described the delay as unjust, discriminatory, and harmful to the future of polytechnic education in the country.

The NAPS Southwest expressed deep frustration over what it called the unacceptable silence and inaction from the Nigerian Senate and Federal House of Representatives regarding the bill. The proposed legislation seeks to abolish the dichotomy between HND and B.Sc holders, a divide that has for years limited career progression opportunities for polytechnic graduates, particularly in the public sector.

This ongoing delay represents a significant policy gap that must be urgently addressed. The continued discrimination against HND holders contradicts the principles of equity, fairness, and meritocracy that should define Nigeria’s public service.

For years, polytechnic students and graduates have faced systemic discrimination in employment opportunities, career progression, and societal recognition an injustice that undermines the value of technical and vocational education in national development. The proposed bill represents a critical step toward equity, fairness, and the full recognition of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

We therefore call on the current administration and the National Assembly to prioritize the reintroduction and immediate passage of this critical legislation. Nigeria cannot afford to sideline a significant segment of its skilled workforce due to outdated and discriminatory policies.

It is therefore disheartening that the Nigeria Senate and House of Representatives has yet to act decisively on this matter of urgent national importance. The continued delay raises serious questions about the commitment of lawmakers to addressing the challenges faced by millions of Nigerian youths in the polytechnic system.

The NAPS southwest unequivocally calls on the Senate and House of Representatives to, without further delay, deliberate on and pass the bill to end the HND/B.Sc dichotomy. The future of countless students and graduates depends on this decisive action.

The continued delay in passing this bill is a direct attack on the dignity and future of millions of Nigerian students and graduates, the statement read. We cannot continue to tolerate a system that places artificial barriers on capable individuals simply because of the institution they attended.

Failure to meet this demand will leave NAPS Southwest with no choice but to mobilize Nigerian Polytechnic Students and Graduates across the country for peaceful but firm actions to press home our demands. We are prepared to take all legitimate steps necessary to ensure that justice is served.

NAPS Southwest has therefore issued a strong warning to the Senate and House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to prioritize and immediately pass the bill without further delay. The association made it clear that failure to act promptly would trigger nationwide protests and coordinated actions by Nigerian polytechnic students and graduates.

We urge all relevant stakeholders to initiate comprehensive reforms that will harmonize qualification frameworks, ensure equal opportunities for career advancement, and restore confidence in the civil service system.

NAPS Southwest remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of polytechnic students and graduates across Nigeria. We will continue to engage constructively with policymakers and mobilize support until justice is achieved.

Signed

Comr Ogunsola Adewale John
NAPS Southwest Coordinator
+234 704 720 2907

African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —

African Focus Inc. its 20th Anniversary with Goodwill Awards and Induction Ceremony in April, 2026, held at the Renaissance LAX in Los Angeles, California.

The landmark event brought together distinguished guests, cultural leaders, and members of the African diaspora for an evening of recognition, reconnection, and celebration.

The ceremony honored outstanding community leaders and cultural champions whose contributions have strengthened African heritage and unity across generations.

The evening featured an elegant dinner, and an inspiring awards presentation, commemorating two decades of impactful service.

Highlight of the event was the African Family Induction, a signature tradition of African Focus.

18 Diaspora Africans were formally welcomed into native African families for a meaningful cultural experience.

The Inductees received certificates bearing their native names, along with cultural artifacts symbolizing their new lineage.

This initiative continues to foster cultural identity, bridge generational and geographical divides, and encourage deeper engagement with the African continent.

Many past inductees have gone on to travel to Africa with their host families, strengthening cultural bonds and understanding.

This year’s event was graced by a Yorùbà monarch His Royal Majesty, Oba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi in Osun State, Nigeria who doubled as special guest of honour and historically served as Royal Father of the Day.

His royal presence brought cultural significance to the celebration.

The event was hosted by Uchenna Nworgu, Founder and Director of African Focus Inc, alongside a distinguished team of Cultural Ambassadors and leaders, including Paul Babatunde, Director of Cultural Initiatives; Dominique DiPrima, Cultural Ambassador; Wole Nipede; Ojise Isedale (also known as Olubunmi Olukanni); Ade James; and other notable contributors.

The event was concluded with vibrant music and dance, reflecting the spirit of unity and cultural pride that has defined African Focus for the past 20 years.

African Focus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reconnecting the African diaspora with their cultural roots through education, cultural exchange, and community engagement initiatives.

2027: Lagosians Unite For Tinubu As Lawmaker Declares Bid

Thousands of Eti-Osa residents in Lagos at the weekend declared their support for President Bola Tinubu, governorship hopeful Obafemi Hamzat and a member of the State House of Assembly, Noheem Adams ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Those who attended the event included the Central Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Eti-Osa headed by Engr. Murphy Adetoro, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

Others are the chairmen of the three local government areas of Eti-Osa constituency 1, APC ward chairmen, traditional rulers and the Lekki Residents Association who had all earlier adopted Adams, a majority leader of the Lagos Assembly, as the party’s consensus in the area.

Speaking at the event, the Central Working Committee declared ‘no vacancy’ at the presidency and the House of Assembly while maintaining its support for Hamzat as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s successor.

They declared that unlike in 2023, Tinubu will win Lagos in 2027 as the people have become more resolute in their support for the president.

Commending the crowd at the rally, Adetoro said the Central Working Committee of APC in Eti-Osa axis and all the LG chairmen in the constituency had written to the party endorsing Noheem Adams

“Thus, on the day of the primaries, we will all be behind him. What we are doing today is a rehearsal of what is going to happen on the day of the primary election,” he said.

“We are publicly declaring our support for President Tinubu whose achievements speak volumes. We have also started working to ensure the victory of Engr. Obafemi Hamzat who will take over from our active governor.

“Some days ago, we all wrote to the APC leadership in Lagos endorsing our son, Noheem Adams, as consensus.

“We are again confirming our decision that he remains our Recognised candidate. We have seen what he has done at the House of Assembly and we can attest to the fact that he has done wonders, beyond our expectations,” he said.

Another leader and former lawmaker, Yahaya Dosunmu, expressed hope that the next Speaker would emerge from the constituency. “If we have number one and two outside, we are supposed to have three.

“I have been attending campaigns since I was 30, but this level of support is exceptional and confirmation that you truly love Noheem and are ready to continue to support him at the primary and general elections,” he said.

On his part, Alhaji Sulyman Bello, President of the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), said the lawmaker enjoys the support of the entire residents of the constituency.

According to him, Adams has become a rallying point for residents in Eti-Osa.

“What many do not understand is that Noheem Adams is not just for Eti-Osa but the entire Lagos State.
There was an estate that was to be demolished. He stood for us and ensured that the estate was not demolished.

“With his position at the House, it is dangerous to send a fresh member. By God’s special grace, we want to see him beyond the seat of Majority Leader,” he declared before the crowd while confirming an earlier letter the association sent to the APC endorsing him.

Meanwhile, the Arewa group in the constituency said they had mobilised 1500 members from the three councils in the area to support the lawmaker.

In his remark, Adams thanked the leaders, traditional rulers and constituents for their support describing the endorsement as a challenge to do more when re-elected.

He also thanked Tinubu for opening up the constituency with a coastal road adding that this feat has earned the President “massive love from the people of my area.”