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)
