The National Association of Polytechnic Students has strongly opposed the federal government’s decision to convert Yaba College of Technology in Lagos into a university, arguing that the move would undermine the core purpose of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the institution’s transition to a university. He noted that the college, which boasts over 200 doctorate holders among its staff, was well-positioned for the upgrade.
“The rector said some minutes ago that the staff, students, and management of the college had been praying and fasting that it be converted to a university. Somehow, you have kind of ambushed me,” the minister remarked.
However, in a statement released on Saturday in Kaduna, NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, rejected the proposed conversion, emphasizing that polytechnics play a vital role in providing industry-driven, practical education.
“We reject the proposed conversion of YABATECH into a university,” Oghayan stated. “Polytechnic institutions like YABATECH play a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. They emphasize hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification.”
NAPS insisted that rather than converting polytechnics into universities, the government should implement a seamless transition from Higher National Diploma to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees.
According to the association, this approach would enhance the recognition of polytechnic graduates in the global job market while maintaining the distinct technical focus of polytechnic education.
“The HND to B.Tech transition is the most viable path to improving the status of polytechnic education while preserving its technical essence,” Oghayan argued.
“This would ensure that polytechnic graduates receive the recognition they deserve without compromising the practical and industry-focused training that makes them valuable to the economy.”
NAPS also recommended the transformation of the National Board for Technical Education into a Polytechnic Education Commission. This, they believe, would give polytechnic education more authority in national planning, improve funding, and establish clear career progression pathways for graduates.
The association urged President Tinubu to reconsider the decision and instead focus on modernizing technical education to develop skilled professionals.
“We passionately appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reconsider the decision to convert YABATECH into a university,” the statement read. “Instead of eliminating polytechnics, Nigeria should focus on revamping and modernizing technical education to produce the next generation of innovators, skilled professionals, and industrial leaders.”
NAPS warned that it would take action if the government did not reverse the decision, vowing to mobilize students nationwide in protest.
“We will not fold our arms and watch as the government undermines the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria,” Oghayan declared. “We will mobilize our members to resist this move and ensure that the government prioritizes the development of polytechnic education.”
Established in 1947, YABATECH is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected polytechnics, having trained thousands of professionals across various industries, including engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship.
