By Union Opposes YABATECH Conversion into a University, Urges FG to reconsider
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has opposed the proposed conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, warning that such a move would undermine the core mission of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
The rejection follows an announcement by Minister of Education Tunji Alausa on Friday, revealing that President Bola Tinubu had approved the upgrade during a working visit to YABATECH.
Alausa justified the decision, stating that with over 200 PhD-holding staff members, YABATECH was well-equipped to make the transition to a university.
He further emphasized that the staff, students, and management had long advocated for the upgrade, which President Tinubu promptly approved.
However, NAPS President Eshiofune Oghayan swiftly condemned the decision in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.
Oghayan argued that polytechnics play a vital role in providing hands-on, industry-focused training, which would be compromised by converting them into universities focused on theory-based learning.
“Polytechnics bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application, and transforming them into universities would shift this focus,” he said.
Instead of the conversion, NAPS proposed an alternative solution: a structured Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) transition, which would allow polytechnic graduates to earn internationally recognized degrees while preserving the technical and practical nature of their education.
The association also suggested enhancing the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) by transforming it into a Polytechnic Education Commission to improve funding, policy execution, and career advancement opportunities for polytechnic graduates.
NAPS urged President Tinubu to reconsider the decision and prioritize the modernization of technical education, which it believes is essential for Nigeria’s industrialization and economic development.
The association also warned of potential nationwide protests, vowing to mobilize students to resist the conversion if the decision is not reversed.
“Polytechnics play a critical role in producing skilled professionals essential for the nation’s development,” Oghayan stressed.
