The Senate Arm of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has aligned with NANS in calling for student representation in the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats. NAPS commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the committee and approving intervention funding to strengthen Nigeria’s readiness for health emergencies.
NAPS argued that the effectiveness of any national health response will improve significantly with student bodies involved. As the umbrella body for polytechnic, monotechnic and allied tertiary students, NAPS said its nationwide structure reaches rural, semi-urban and underserved communities where access to timely health information is often limited. Polytechnic campuses also serve as bridges between urban and rural areas, making students key to grassroots sensitisation.
The Senate believes including NANS and NAPS representatives will aid effective dissemination of health information, promote preventive measures, and strengthen community engagement. With its campus structures across the country, NAPS said it can mobilise students, coordinate awareness campaigns, and work with health agencies to ensure accurate information reaches polytechnic campuses and surrounding communities.
NAPS therefore called on the Federal Government to include representatives of both NANS and NAPS in the Task Force to ensure broader stakeholder participation and integrate millions of students into the national public health response. The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all initiatives that protect public health and advance student welfare.
press release excerpts below:
NAPS SENATE BACKS NANS’ CALL FOR STUDENT REPRESENTATION IN PRESIDENTIAL EBOLA PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE, SEEKS INCLUSION OF POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS
The Senate Arm of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has aligned with the position of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on the need for student representation in the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats.
We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the proactive steps taken to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness against public health emergencies through the establishment of the committee and the approval of intervention funding. This demonstrates the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians.
However, we respectfully submit that the effectiveness of any national public health response framework will be greatly enhanced by the inclusion of student bodies, particularly NANS and NAPS, whose structures extend to every part of the country.
As the umbrella body representing millions of Polytechnic, Monotechnic and other allied tertiary institution students across Nigeria, NAPS maintains a widespread presence in communities often located in rural, semi-urban and underserved areas where access to timely public health information can be limited. Many Polytechnic campuses are strategically situated in regions that serve as bridges between urban centres and rural communities, making Polytechnic students critical stakeholders in grassroots sensitisation and public health advocacy.
The Senate Arm of NAPS believes that the inclusion of student representatives in the committee will facilitate effective dissemination of health information, promote awareness on preventive measures, strengthen community engagement, and support government efforts in combating any potential public health threat.
Through its Senate structures across campuses nationwide, NAPS possesses the capacity to mobilise students, coordinate sensitisation campaigns, and collaborate with relevant health agencies to ensure that accurate information reaches every Polytechnic campus and surrounding communities.
We therefore call on the Federal Government to consider the inclusion of representatives of both NANS and NAPS in the Presidential Task Force. Such inclusion will guarantee broader stakeholder participation, strengthen national preparedness efforts, and ensure that millions of Nigerian students are adequately integrated into the country’s public health response architecture.
The Senate Arm of NAPS remains committed to supporting all initiatives aimed at protecting public health, promoting national development, and advancing the welfare of Nigerian students.
Signed:
Sen. Comr. Oyewumi Festus Ayomide
President of the Senate
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)
Sen. Comr. Jimoh Ibrahim
Clerk of the Senate
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)
You can get every of our news as soon as they drop on WhatsApp ...To get all news updates, Join our WhatsApp Group (Click Here)
