The North Central chapter of the National Association of Polytechnic Students has decried the recurring insecurity in tertiary institutions in the region.
The association, therefore, called on the federal and state governments to expedite action towards ensuring that polytechnics and other higher institutions were adequately protected from all forms of criminal invasions.
The Coordinator of NAPS in the North Central, Ekom Peter-Ayaka, made the call in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Thursday, after presenting an award of integrity and excellence to a former Medical Director of the Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Centre, Dr Isah Yahaya.
Peter-Ayaka said the security situation, if not immediately addressed, could discourage students in the geopolitical zone from continuing with their studies.
“Honestly, the security challenges on campuses of tertiary institutions are uncalled for.
In recent times, we have been witnessing issues of insecurity in our various campuses.
“NAPS has been working closely with the students and security agencies to see how the issues of insecurity can be tackled in our polytechnics.
“However, we will be very happy and grateful if the federal and state governments join hands with us to ensure that our campuses are adequately protected,” he added.
Peter-Ayaka commended President Bola Tinubu for introducing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, noting that many polytechnic students had been able to access the loans to continue their education.
He said, “NELFund opened the doors for students from diverse backgrounds to access higher education.
“The affordable loans have helped students cover tuition, living expenses and other educational costs.
“Most students now concentrate on their studies and achieve better outcomes, so we are grateful to the President for this wonderful initiative.”
Speaking about the awardee, Dr Yahaya, who is currently a Consultant Family Physician at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital, the NAPS coordinator said the award was in recognition of his outstanding leadership qualities, transparency, and dedication to public service and the health sector in the state.
He urged Nigerians to emulate Dr Yahaya by occasionally reaching out to the underprivileged in the society to assist them.
“We are happy that Dr Isah Yahaya received the award cheerfully. He actually deserves it because with his limited resources, he has done so much for students and other people in the North Central zone.
“He appreciated the National Association of Polytechnic Students for finding him worthy of the award, and pledged to do more for the less-privileged in society,” Peter-Ayaka added.
