The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, with its National Merit Award titled ‘Icon of Peace, Safety and Progress in Nigeria,’ in recognition of his contributions to safeguarding polytechnics and other institutions nationwide.
The award was contained in a statement issued by the Immediate Past President of NAPS, Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, and made available to newsmen over the weekend.
The award was presented at the DSS Service Headquarters in Abuja through Mr. Benjamin Bulus, alongside the Students Desk Officer, Mr. Agada Moses, and other senior officers.
The presentation was originally scheduled for the NAPS Wrap-Up National Polytechnic Students Summit held on July 23, 2026, at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Benin City, but was rescheduled due to the DG’s unavoidable absence.
NAPS expressed appreciation to the DSS under the leadership of Ajayi for its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property and its contribution to creating a secure environment for students, campuses and communities nationwide.
The association particularly commended the Service for its proactive intelligence gathering, assessment and dissemination, as well as inter-agency coordination, noting that such efforts were important in identifying threats, preventing security breaches and sustaining peace.
NAPS also acknowledged that the peaceful conduct of its National Convention and other student activities was significantly aided by the security support and intelligence architecture provided by relevant security agencies.
According to the association, the presentation also provided an opportunity to formally introduce the new NAPS leadership and seek continued guidance and collaboration from the DSS.
The association urged the incoming leadership to sustain the relationship with the Service based on mutual respect, patriotism, constructive engagement and a shared commitment to national peace and development.
NAPS further emphasised that security institutions should be regarded not only as enforcement agencies but also as strategic partners in creating an environment where young Nigerians can learn, innovate and contribute meaningfully to national development.
‘On behalf of NAPS, the Immediate Past President, Comr. Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, formally passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, (DG DSS) commending his professionalism and the Service’s efforts in intelligence gathering, threat prevention, national security coordination and the provision of actionable intelligence to relevant agencies,’ the statement said.
The students’ body also commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly its interventions in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as well as broader efforts to improve access to education and strengthen education financing.
NAPS said it remained committed to constructive engagement with security institutions and other stakeholders in promoting a safe and conducive environment for students across the country.