NAPS seeks Tinubu’s intervention to end Ekowe Poly crisis

Amid the lingering crisis between staff and management at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, in Bayelsa State, the leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) on Thursday issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government and the institution’s management to resolve the industrial dispute.

The students also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and bring lasting peace to the polytechnic.

Activities at the institution have been grounded for over three months following a dispute between the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the management, which resulted in violent confrontations.

As a result, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) also withdrew its services over safety concerns.

The crisis has caused setbacks for students, including delays in mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Addressing a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, NAPS President, Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, demanded an immediate end to the dispute, declaring that “enough is enough.”

He identified ethnic prejudice, reckless unionism, ego, and selfish interests as factors derailing the polytechnic.

NAPS stated:
“As a body representing the interests of over 2.8 million polytechnic students, we are presenting a unanimous position and calling for an end to the needless crisis at Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, for the sake of members whose future is hanging in the balance.

“While it is evident that the management under Dr. Lukman Adegoke Agbabiaka has recorded visible achievements — including the restoration of National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) accreditation until 2029, the lifting of a two-year NYSC and ITF ban, the refurbishment of hostels with solar power, the revival of workshops, and the establishment of ICT centres — the continued closure of the institution benefits no one.

“Despite these strides, ASUP, which is neither on strike nor rebelling against management, has demanded guaranteed security coverage to prevent further confrontations like those allegedly orchestrated by thugs loyal to NASU Chairman, Mr. Etebu Ebifiye, aided by his ally, Mr. Nelson Ebimie Dengiyefa.

“Their personal and unjustifiable grievances should not stand in the way of student progress and academic continuity. Appropriate disciplinary measures should be taken against them without delay.

“Unmerited promotions based on ethnic affiliations should not be allowed to stand in an academic institution like Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe. The crisis caused by the same individuals under the previous administration, and its impact, are still fresh in the minds of the Polytechnic community.”

The students further appealed to President Tinubu to intervene swiftly and urged the host community to desist from interfering in the management of the institution.

They added:
“We call on the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to act with urgency and deploy the Niger Delta Military Joint Task Force to Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, to safeguard lives and property and restore academic stability.

“While we urge the NASU Chairman to embrace dialogue, we will be compelled to act in concert with our sister unions and declare him persona non grata not only on campuses but anywhere two or more students gather in this country.

“Similarly, if this crisis persists beyond September 8, NAPS will mobilise a nationwide solidarity action — shaking the creeks and echoing through Abuja — until our students return to class. Enough is enough. The future cannot wait. Education cannot be silenced.”