The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has announced plans to stage a massive “One Million Adupe March” on June 12, 2025, in honour of President Bola Tinubu for what it described as “unprecedented investments in the education sector.”
According to a press statement signed by Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, President of NAPS, the association has declared June 12 as “Adupe Day”, a Yoruba word meaning “thank you” to appreciate the President’s commitment to the future of Nigerian students.
“ADUPE Mr. President,” the statement read, “is a gesture of appreciation for the President’s commitment to education, which the students believe will have a lasting impact on the nation’s future.”
The students’ body praised the Tinubu administration for allocating N2.52 trillion to the education sector in the 2025 budget, a 133% increase from the 2023 figure. They also highlighted specific achievements, including the approval of N683.4 billion for tertiary education interventions, disbursement of over N104 billion to students through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and the launch of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative.
“President Tinubu has shown extraordinary vision by prioritising education, particularly technical and vocational education, which holds the key to Nigeria’s industrial and economic transformation,” Oghayan said.
The proposed march, which is expected to draw more than one million students nationwide, is not only a demonstration of gratitude but also a rallying call for further reforms in the polytechnic sector.
As part of its long-term advocacy, NAPS is urging President Tinubu and the National Assembly to upgrade the status of Nigerian polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) and Bachelor of Science in Technology (BSc.Tech) degrees. The association also called for the transformation of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a full-fledged commission, to be named the National Commission for Technical Education (NCTE).
In addition, NAPS announced its own initiatives aimed at complementing the government’s efforts. These include the introduction of a Student Insurance Scheme, nationwide mental health awareness campaigns, and campus security advocacy programs.
While reiterating their support for the Tinubu administration, the students also promised to hold government officials accountable.
“We remain committed to supporting the administration while also holding government officials accountable for any actions that may undermine the President’s vision for education,” the statement added.
The One Million Adupe March is scheduled to take place across various states, culminating in a symbolic event in Abuja. It is expected to be one of the largest student-organised demonstrations of gratitude in Nigeria’s democratic history.
