POSITION PAPER BY PAST LEADERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS (NAPS)
THE STAKEHOLDERS FORUM OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS (NAPS)
Date: 16th April, 2025_
RE: ONSLAUGHT BY FACTIONAL ELEMENTS AGAINST THE TRUE SPIRIT OF NAPS STRUGGLE
The attention of past and committed leaders of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has been drawn to a letter circulating in public space, signed by one Victor Bamidele, who claims to be the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NAPS under a factional and self-acclaimed leadership of Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan (SHOPRITE) who served as SUG President many years back and not even qualified as graduate to contest presidency of NAPS let alone of been elected either by crook or hook.
2. We state emphatically and without equivocation that Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan (SHOPRITE) is unknown to us, the past leaders of NAPS, and not recognized by the current mainstream polytechnic students across Nigeria as a legitimate President of NAPS. We therefore disown and distance ourselves from the said Victor Bamidele and his collaborators. Their claims are not only fraudulent but also a slap on the integrity of our noble association.
3. It is also disturbing to note that in the midst of a political disagreement between the Governor of Kwara State and a former students' leader, these same self-imposed student leaders shamelessly aligned themselves with the government. This action further exposes their ignorance and lack of understanding of the guiding philosophy of the student movement and the founding values of NAPS. The student body must remain independent and focused on justice, truth, and advocacy—not a political tool for survival.
4. Definitely, those in secondary or about to write Common Entrance in some 13years ago when Comr Salahudeen A Lukman was in active struggle of NAPS may not know who, when and where leadership emerged, therefore We also wish to state clearly that no faction, no propaganda, and no hired voice can erase the enduring legacies of Comr. Salahudeen A. Lukman, popularly known as Eluku Omo Adugbo, from the history of NAPS. His leadership credentials remain indisputable: The ongoing onslaught is definately a sponsor one by state aparatus but the entire faulty is in those come & raid with price tag.
5. Elected Vice President (External Affairs) of NAPS at the 2010 Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia Convention.
* Elected Senate President of NAPS at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta, Ogun State in 2013.
* Elected National President during the Federal Polytechnic Offa Convention in 2015 (though the election was later canceled after and re-convened in 2016 at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, where he graciously withdrew).
* Emerged President of West African Polytechnic Students Union (WAPSU) during the West African Polytechnic Games WAPOGA side event at Accra Polytechnic, Tudu, Republic of Ghana – becoming only the second Nigerian polytechnic student to attain such feat.
6. These are historical facts that cannot be rewritten by faceless groups of graduates masquerading as students.
7. We urge the younger generation of comrades to learn the foundational principles of Aluta, understand the do's and don'ts of genuine student struggle, and never compromise their values for crumbs from the table of the oppressors. Any comrade who aligns with oppressors has betrayed the struggle, and history—as well as the God of Aluta—will judge them accordingly.
8. It is important to remind all stakeholders that Comr. Salahudeen A. Lukman’s contributions to the advancement of Nigerian polytechnic students have been well recognized. He is a multiple award recipient from Nigeria Polytechnic Students Union Government, to mention but few:
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| Comrade Salahudeen A Lukman |
#Kaduna Polytechnic Students’ Union
#Federal Polytechnic Bida Students’ Union
#Federal Polytechnic Ilaro Students’ Representative Council
#Ken Sarowiwa Polytechnic student union Bori, River State
#Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri Imo state students union
Among others.
9. His vital role in the 2013 longest ASUP strike which led to the reopening of polytechnics earned him accolades from the national leadership of ASUP under Dr. Chibuzor Asomugba of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State.
10. Let it be on record that this position is not about glorifying an individual, but about defending the integrity of a movement many fought for with sweat, blood, and sacrifice.
11. Let those who sell out the struggle cheaply continue in their dance of shame. Judgment day is near.
Aluta Continua! Victoria Ascerta!
Signed:
Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan
NAPS Senate President 2009
Chairman NAPS Stakeholder Forum North East
Mohammed Eneji
NAPS-President 2017
Chairman NAPS Stakeholders Forum North Central
Comr AbdulMumeen Ibrahim Bebe
NAPS-V.P National 2013
Chairman NAPS Stakeholders Forum South West
Comr. Ola Kolawole
NAPS Vice President 2016
Chairman, NAPS Stakeholders Forum, North West.
Comr Okorie Ikechukwu Santos
Ag. Chairman NAPS Stakeholders Forum South East.
Comr Oweiotu-ebi Oyinkare-ebi Joseph
NAPS Vice President 2023
Ag. Secretary NAPS Stakeholders Forum, South South
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