The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly opposed the federal government’s decision to convert Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, arguing that the move undermines the core objectives of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
This follows an announcement by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Friday, confirming that President Bola Tinubu had approved the institution’s transition to a university. According to Alausa, YABATECH’s academic strength, including over 200 PhD-holding staff members, made it a suitable candidate for the upgrade.
However, in a statement released on Saturday in Kaduna, NAPS President Eshiofune Oghayan rejected the decision, stating that polytechnics serve a unique role in providing practical and industrial-based training, which could be diluted if they are converted into universities.
“Polytechnic institutions like YABATECH bridge 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,” Oghayan said.
The student body argued that rather than converting polytechnics into universities, the government should fully implement the transition from Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees. This, they said, would give polytechnic graduates internationally recognized qualifications while preserving the hands-on training that makes them valuable to industries.
NAPS also proposed that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) be restructured into a Polytechnic Education Commission to better position technical education within Nigeria’s education system.
“We urge the federal government to engage with NAPS, NBTE, and other stakeholders to reform and strengthen polytechnic education instead of phasing it out,” the association stated.
The group further appealed to President Tinubu to reconsider the decision and instead focus on modernizing and upgrading Nigeria’s technical education system.
“We will not sit back and allow the future of polytechnic education to be compromised. If necessary, we will mobilize students nationwide to resist this move,” Oghayan warned.
YABATECH, established in 1947, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious polytechnics, having trained generations of professionals across engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship.
As the debate over its future continues, the government’s response to NAPS’ opposition remains to be seen.
