By Muazu Abubakar Albarkawa, Kaduna The Senate Arm of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has passed a reso...
The Senate Arm of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has passed a resounding vote of confidence in the Rector of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Engr. Dr. Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi, citing academic expansion, student welfare, infrastructure development and skills acquisition initiatives under his administration.
The students’ body stated this in a press conference, where it reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the development of the Nigerian Polytechnic sector and protecting the interests and welfare of Polytechnic students.
According to NAPS, its decision to support the Rector was based on what it described as measurable developments and institutional progress, rather than sentiment, personality or political considerations.
The association noted that Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic currently has 46 academic programmes across 31 departments, covering areas including science, engineering, technology, management, vocational education and humanities.
It further said the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), following an accreditation exercise conducted in January 2026, approved 18 additional academic programmes for the institution, while existing programmes also received continuation and re-accreditation approvals.
The association described the accreditation exercise, which assessed 60 programmes, as a significant milestone in the institution’s academic development.
NAPS also commended the Polytechnic management for reducing hostel accommodation fees from N10,000 to N6,090 in December 2025, saying the decision provided financial relief to students amid the rising cost of education and living.
The students’ body also acknowledged infrastructure development at the institution through interventions involving the Kaduna State Government and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
It listed classrooms, laboratories, libraries, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, staff development and student accommodation among areas benefiting from the interventions.
The association, however, noted that while government and TETFund provide significant funding, effective institutional leadership remains important in identifying priorities, securing approvals and coordinating projects to ensure that interventions translate into tangible benefits for students and staff.
On innovation, NAPS highlighted the achievement of a student of the Polytechnic, Luka Ado, who it said emerged winner of the National Diploma category at the 2025 COMPODET competition with a project on the fabrication and testing of a waste-oil stove.
The association said the achievement demonstrated the importance of practical education, innovation and technical skills in preparing students for the demands of the modern economy.
It also disclosed that about 1,000 students of the institution participated in digital and vocational skills training in 2025, aimed at strengthening self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
NAPS said its position was not intended to attack any individual or oppose any legitimate stakeholder, but to ensure that measurable progress was recognised and not overshadowed by rumours or unverified claims.
“Where there are genuine concerns, they should be addressed through appropriate institutional channels. But where measurable progress has been recorded, students and their representatives equally have a responsibility to speak,” the association said.
The students’ body called on stakeholders to place the interest, stability and advancement of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic above personal, political or sectional considerations.
It also urged the Kaduna State Government to continue supporting the institution and ensure that decisions concerning its future leadership are guided by competence, merit, due process, continuity and the overall interest of students and the Polytechnic.
NAPS further called on students to remain peaceful, responsible and constructive stakeholders.
The association reiterated its vote of confidence in the Rector, commended the administration’s efforts in academic expansion, accreditation, student welfare, infrastructure development, innovation and skills advancement, and recognised the contributions of the Kaduna State Government and TETFund.
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