society
NAPS Demands Reversal of Bill That Prioritizes University Degrees for Local Government Chairmen
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)
CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON EMPOWERS 300 WIDOWS IN IMO
A renowned humanitarian and proud daughter of Mbaise in Imo State, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has empowered over 300 widows and vulnerable women across the Owerri Zone, in a remarkable demonstration of compassion and service to humanity.
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Palace of the Eze of Ngor Okpala, HRH Eze Engr. Fredrick Nwachukwu, brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and beneficiaries from different communities within the zone.
During the event, the widows received food materials and cash support, aimed at helping them meet basic needs and strengthen their small-scale businesses.
The initiative was widely applauded as a timely intervention to support women who often face severe economic hardship after losing their spouses.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to High Chief (Dr.) Nwoga-Ecton, describing the empowerment as a lifeline that would help them take better care of their families.
Some widows, while offering prayers for the philanthropist, noted that the gesture had restored hope and dignity in their lives.
Fondly known as Ada Imo and Adaure, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton has earned widespread admiration for her consistent humanitarian efforts both within Nigeria and internationally.
Through her philanthropic activities and foundations, she has continued to support widows, children, and vulnerable communities with interventions in healthcare, welfare and economic empowerment.
Community stakeholders who attended the programme commended the Mbaise-born philanthropist for her generosity and dedication to uplifting the less privileged, noting that her actions reflect true leadership and compassion.
Observers say the initiative further reinforces her growing reputation as one of the most impactful humanitarians of this generation, whose commitment to humanity continues to inspire hope across Imo State and beyond.
UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ACTING ADMIN KING OF THE UKA THRONE
March 6, 2026 – In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson, as the Acting Admin King of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of Official Emperor Admin of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to competence, dedication, and integrity as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
Report Highlights:
– Nominee: King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– Objective: Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– Focus: Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– Impact: Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– Next Steps: Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
society
Tinubu Appoints Reno Omokri, Femi Fani‑Kayode Among 65 Ambassadors in Strategic Diplomatic Deployment
Tinubu Appoints Reno Omokri, Femi Fani‑Kayode Among 65 Ambassadors in Strategic Diplomatic Deployment
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Key Political Figures and Seasoned Diplomats Assigned to Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Presence.”
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and ex‑Aviation Minister Femi Fani‑Kayode are among the most high‑profile names in President Bola Tinubu’s new ambassadorial postings approved on March 6, 2026. The president signed off on 65 ambassadorial assignments for non‑career and career diplomats, following Senate confirmation of nominees in December 2025.
Omokri is set to serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, while Fani‑Kayode will represent the country in Germany, reflecting Tinubu’s strategy of deploying well-known political figures to key diplomatic missions. Other notable postings include:
Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau – China
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim – Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Olufemi Adegbite – South Africa
Nuhu Ribadu – United Kingdom
Akinwumi Adesina – United States
Oluwafemi Adebayo – Canada
Hajia Fatima Isa – Australia
Ahmed Tijani – United Arab Emirates
Chukwuma Akabogu – France
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Germany
The postings, announced through a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also cover several other European and Middle Eastern capitals.
Officials say the broad diplomatic deployment aims to strengthen Nigeria’s global representation and foreign policy footprint amid evolving international dynamics, ensuring both political allies and seasoned diplomats advance national interests abroad.
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