*Give ultimatum, threaten Nationwide protests The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called for the immediate suspensio
*Give ultimatum, threaten Nationwide protests
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called for the immediate suspension of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, following ongoing allegations of his involvement in the embezzlement of N528 billion Naira during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State.
The association described the alleged diversion of public funds as an “insult to Nigeria’s education sector,” noting that such a sum could drastically transform the fortunes of federal polytechnics across the country.
In a statement signed by the Vice President, National Affairs of NAPS, Comrade Aliyu Omotayo Yusuf, the students expressed deep disappointment that while federal polytechnics are battling underfunding, infrastructure decay, and staff welfare crises, a serving minister is being accused of looting over twice the entire 2025 federal budget allocation to polytechnics. According to the Association, the total budget for all federal polytechnics in 2025 stands at N224 billion Naira, less than half of the amount allegedly misappropriated.
He said “We consider it a national disservice for anyone under such weighty allegations to remain in public office, particularly at a time when students are struggling with overcrowded classrooms, outdated facilities, and unpaid allowances,” the statement reads. “If even a fraction of the alleged funds had been channeled to the polytechnic sector, we would have seen real transformation in technical education and youth empowerment.”
NAPS has therefore, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to suspend Bello Matawalle and allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough and independent investigation.
The association warned that failure to act within the given timeframe will lead to a nationwide mobilization of polytechnic students in protest, calling for the minister’s removal and broader accountability in government.
“We are not just calling for his suspension — we are defending the future of technical education in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
“This is not politics, it is principle. We demand answers, we demand justice, and we demand integrity in public service.” He stated.
COMMENTS