Mandung, John Ngas (Communication Officer) 21/2/2025
The Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA) has strongly condemned the recent decision by the Plateau State Ministry of Education to suspend the national election of the National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), dissolve its executive and legislative arms, and impose a caretaker committee.
In a press statement dated February 20, 2025, the Ministry announced these measures, citing unspecified concerns. However, YIAVHA argues that such actions violate Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of association, as well as the constitution of NAPSS itself.
The decision was outlined in an official letter from the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Ministry of Education, Plateau State. In response, YIAVHA issued a letter addressed to the Commissioner, expressing deep concern over the interference in student union affairs and urging an immediate reversal of the decision.
The letter, signed by Jacob Choji Pwakim, the Executive Director of the organization, was also copied key stakeholders, including the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, the commissioner of Police, the Plateau Youth Council, amongst others.According to YIAVHA, the government’s interference undermines democratic values and principles of good governance, especially given that NAPSS operates at a national level.
The organization emphasized that decisions affecting student governance should be made by the students themselves, with government officials and legal advisers offering guidance rather than imposing directives.While acknowledging the importance of security in electoral processes, YIAVHA insists that any decision to postpone or suspend an election should be based on credible intelligence and follow due process involving all stakeholders.
The unilateral dissolution of student leadership and the imposition of a caretaker committee, it argues, sets a dangerous precedent and could escalate tensions within the student community and beyond.
The statement reads, “this action could be perceived as an attempt to suppress the voices of young people, who have a constitutional right to freedom of association and participation in leadership and governance,” YIAVHA stated.
Call for Immediate Action: In response to the development, YIAVHA has called on the Ministry of Education to:
1First, to immediately withdraw the press statement dissolving the student union leadership and imposing a caretaker committee.
Second, to initiate dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, including NAPSS leaders, the Office of the Legal Adviser, the Plateau Youth Council, civil society organizations, and security agencies, to address underlying concerns through peaceful engagement.
Third, to respect the autonomy of student governance structures and allow students to exercise their right to elect their leaders in a free, transparent, and democratic manner.
YIAVHA stressed that constructive engagement, rather than unilateral decisions, is the key to resolving conflicts and fostering a peaceful academic community.
The organization expressed confidence in the Plateau State government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and providing young people with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, including conflict management.
The organization has urged the Plateau State government to act swiftly to resolve the matter and reaffirm its commitment to youth empowerment and democratic governance.
