NAPS rejects YABATECH’s University status, urges FG to rethink decision
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly opposed the proposed conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, arguing that such a move would weaken the core purpose of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
Earlier, reports had stated that Minister of Education Tunji Alausa announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu had approved the upgrade during a working visit to YABATECH.
Alausa highlighted that with over 200 PhD-holding staff members, the institution was well-equipped for the transition. “The staff, students, and management have been advocating for this, and President Tinubu promptly granted approval,” he stated.
Reacting swiftly, NAPS President Eshiofune Oghayan released a statement in Kaduna on Saturday condemning the decision. Oghayan emphasized that polytechnics provide essential hands-on, industry-focused training, which would be diminished if institutions were turned into universities.
“Polytechnics bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. Converting them into universities will shift the focus to theory-based learning,” he argued.
Instead, NAPS proposed an alternative solution—a structured Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) transition—allowing polytechnic graduates to earn internationally recognized degrees while preserving the technical nature of their education.
The association further advocated for transforming the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a Polytechnic Education Commission to enhance funding, policy execution, and career advancement opportunities for polytechnic graduates.
NAPS urged President Tinubu to reconsider the conversion and instead focus on strengthening technical education, which is crucial for Nigeria’s industrialization and economic growth. “We appeal to President Tinubu to prioritize modernizing technical education rather than phasing out polytechnics,” Oghayan stated.
Warning of potential nationwide protests, NAPS declared its readiness to mobilize students to resist the conversion, stressing the critical role polytechnics play in producing skilled professionals essential for the nation’s development.
