POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS RALLY BEHIND FCC CHAIRPERSON, DR. MUHEEBA DANKAKA, AMID INTERNAL PROTESTS

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), the apex body representing over 28.1 million Nigerian polytechnic and monotechnic students nationwide, has issued a firm statement of solidarity with the embattled Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, following recent protests by a faction of the Commission’s staff opposing the extension of her tenure.

In a statement released by Comrade Aliyu Omotayo Yusuf, Vice President, Special Duties of NAPS, the association expressed deep concern over attempts to destabilize the Federal Character Commission through internal unrest, adding that the leadership of Dr. Dankaka has brought visible reform and renewed direction to the Commission.

Comrade Aliyu said “we are disturbed by reports of internal protests against Dr. Dankaka. While we respect the rights of civil servants to express themselves, we also believe in the sanctity of due process, national reform, and institutional leadership that prioritizes equity and justice”.

Dr. Dankaka, who was appointed in 2020, has recently come under pressure as her tenure approaches expiration. Some staff members have staged protests alleging administrative issues, while a growing number of public stakeholders including students and youth leaders have commended her for insisting on fairness in MDA recruitment processes and transparency in service delivery.

“The FCC under her watch has taken bold steps to enforce the Federal Character principle in MDAs, including Federal Polytechnics. This aligns with the values we champion in NAPS, fairness, inclusiveness, and access to opportunity for all students, regardless of state or region,” the statement continued.

NAPS called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to evaluate Dr. Dankaka’s record of service based on merit, rather than yielding to internal resistance or political pressure.

“Nigeria’s students are tired of recycled systems that protect inefficiency and sabotage reform. If Dr. Dankaka’s only crime is standing up for equitable recruitment and enforcement of constitutional principles, then history will judge her as a reformer,” the group stated.

The association further appealed to the National Assembly to support the FCC’s mandate at a time when the Senate is currently auditing MDA compliance to Federal Character policies. It also urged protesting staff to follow laid-down procedures for internal redress, rather than undermining national institutions from within.

Comrade Aliyu reaffirmed that “We will not be silent when individuals who stand for structural fairness are attacked. NAPS stands firmly with Dr. Muheeba Dankaka, and by extension, with every public servant striving to strengthen national institutions through lawful, inclusive, and transparent means.”