The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has expressed opposition to the proposed conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos into a university. On Friday, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the conversion, citing the institution’s strong legacy and the large number of faculty members holding doctoral degrees.
The minister added that the decision followed prayers from the college’s staff, students, and management.
However, NAPS President Eshiofune Oghayan, in a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, argued that converting polytechnics into universities would undermine the core objectives of polytechnic education.
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Oghayan emphasized that such a shift would prioritize theoretical learning over practical, industry-based training, which is vital for Nigeria’s industrialization. Instead of university conversion, he advocated for the full implementation of the HND to B.Tech transition, which would offer polytechnic graduates internationally recognized degrees, enhancing their global competitiveness.
Oghayan further pointed out that this move contradicted global best practices, where countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the UK have strengthened their polytechnic education systems to support industrial economies.
He proposed the conversion of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a Polytechnic Education Commission to raise the status of polytechnic education, ensuring better funding, policy enforcement, and career development opportunities for graduates.
The association also urged the Federal Government to work with NAPS, NBTE, and other stakeholders on comprehensive reforms to strengthen polytechnic education as a driver of economic growth.
NAPS called on President Tinubu to reconsider the YABATECH conversion and instead focus on enhancing technical education in Nigeria.
Established in 1947, YABATECH is one of the country’s oldest and most respected polytechnics, contributing significantly to various sectors like engineering, technology, construction, and entrepreneurship.
As the debate continues, NAPS has vowed to mobilize students nationwide to resist the proposed conversion and ensure that polytechnic education remains a priority for Nigeria’s future workforce and industrial development.
