NAPS Intervenes in Bayelsa Polytechnic Crisis, Meets Rector, ASUP and Education Commissioner Over Prolonged Strike

The National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS, has intervened in the ongoing crisis and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, strike at Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, following concerns over the prolonged disruption of academic activities.

The intervention visit to Bayelsa State was led by the National President of NAPS, Comr. Jimoh Ibrahim A., after a call from one of the association’s senators and the State Liaison Council, SLC.

According to NAPS, the intervention was aimed at engaging relevant stakeholders, protecting students’ welfare and finding a lasting solution to the crisis so that academic activities can resume at the institution.

During the visit, the NAPS delegation met with the Rector of Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, where the association appealed for the restoration of the suspended Students’ Union Government, SUG.

The delegation also discussed possible ways of resolving the ongoing strike and restoring normal academic activities at the Polytechnic.

NAPS subsequently engaged members of ASUP, who raised several concerns relating to the administration of the Polytechnic.

Among the issues discussed were the appointment and tenure of the Rector, compliance with the Bayelsa State Polytechnic Law 2014, the Rector’s qualification and the role of the Governing Council.

The union also raised concerns regarding infrastructure and TETFund projects at the institution.

In response, NAPS emphasised the importance of ensuring that all allegations and concerns raised by stakeholders are properly investigated and addressed through due process.

The students’ body also urged the Polytechnic management and ASUP to embrace dialogue and negotiation in the interest of students whose academic activities have been affected by the prolonged dispute.

The NAPS delegation also met with the Honourable Commissioner for Education in Bayelsa State to discuss the situation and seek government intervention.

The Commissioner reportedly appreciated the intervention by NAPS and disclosed that he had already been briefed about the situation by the Secretary of the SMC, Comr. Kenneth Jacob.

He also revealed that he had engaged with ASUP over the crisis and assured the delegation that the state government was working towards resolving the matter.

According to the Commissioner, the government would seek the urgent intervention of the Governor to facilitate the return of students to the Polytechnic and restore academic activities.

NAPS has therefore called for sustained dialogue among the various stakeholders, respect for due process and strict adherence to relevant laws governing the Polytechnic.

The association stressed that students should not continue to bear the consequences of prolonged disagreements between institutional stakeholders.

NAPS also reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments at Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri, and following up with relevant authorities until academic activities are fully restored.

The association maintained that the rights, education and welfare of students must remain a priority in efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis.

The statement was signed by Comr. Jimoh Ibrahim A., National President, National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS.