Polytechnic Students Declare Massive Protest at OPAY Headquarters Over Alleged Bias Against HND Holders and Campus Scholarship Neglect

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), the umbrella body representing over 28.1 million students across Nigeria’s polytechnics, monotechnics, and allied institutions, has declared a massive protest scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024 at OPAY’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos. This demonstration comes in response to OPAY’s alleged perpetuation of the HND/BSc dichotomy and neglect of polytechnic students in its scholarship schemes.

NAPS has accused OPAY Microfinance Bank of fostering inequality by granting scholarships exclusively to university students, including a ₦12 million scholarship for 40 ABU Zaria students and a decade-long scholarship agreement with the University of Ibadan, while ignoring polytechnic institutions.

“It is disappointing that an institution like OPAY, which we’ve supported through thick and thin, has chosen to undermine polytechnic students, treating us as second-class citizens,” said Senator Adeniji Boluwaji Temitope, NAPS Senate President. “Polytechnic campuses account for the highest OPAY POS users in Nigeria, yet we have been sidelined.”

Further allegations include claims that OPAY prioritizes BSc holders over HND holders during recruitment, a practice NAPS described as discriminatory and contrary to the principle of competence over certification.

To protest these actions, NAPS is mobilizing polytechnic students, especially from Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states, to converge at OPAY’s headquarters. Students are advised to bring mats and cooking supplies, as they intend to remain at the premises until their demands are met. Additionally, NAPS has declared all OPAY POS machines persona non grata across polytechnic campuses nationwide, urging Student Union Governments to enforce this ban.

NAPS remains open to dialogue but has issued an ultimatum leading up to the protest, demanding immediate action from OPAY to address their grievances.

“Aluta Continua… Victoria Ascerta!”