The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has rejected the Federal Government’s plan to convert Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, warning that the move threatens the essence of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
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Edutimes Africa reports that Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the approval of YABATECH’s transition into a university during a visit to the institution on Friday. Alausa stated that President Bola Tinubu had given his approval, citing the institution’s strong academic foundation, including over 200 PhD holders among its staff, as justification for the conversion.
However, in a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday, NAPS President, Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, described the decision as a setback for technical education and industrial development in the country.
NAPS’ Position on Polytechnic Education
Oghayan argued that polytechnics play a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application, warning that converting them into universities would erode their hands-on, practical training approach.
“We reject the proposed conversion of YABATECH into a university. Polytechnic institutions are designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills, innovation, and problem-solving abilities. Converting them into universities will weaken this mandate and push Nigeria further into a theory-based education system,” he stated.
He further cited global examples, highlighting how countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom continue to strengthen and expand their technical education systems rather than phase them out.
Alternative Proposal: HND to B.Tech Transition
NAPS proposed an alternative approach, advocating for the full implementation of the Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) transition. According to the association, this model would elevate polytechnic graduates’ qualifications without undermining their specialized training.
“The HND to B.Tech transition remains the best way to upgrade polytechnic education while preserving its technical foundation. This would ensure graduates gain the recognition they deserve while maintaining the industry-focused curriculum that makes them valuable to the economy,” Oghayan noted.
Call for a Polytechnic Education Commission
The association further urged the Federal Government to upgrade the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a Polytechnic Education Commission, which would oversee policy implementation, ensure proper funding, and create structured career pathways for polytechnic graduates.
NAPS also called for dialogue between the government, NBTE, and other key stakeholders to design a comprehensive reform strategy that strengthens polytechnic education as a driver of economic growth.
Appeal to President Tinubu
The students’ body appealed to President Tinubu to reconsider the decision, urging the government to modernize and revamp technical education rather than phase it out.
“We passionately appeal to President Tinubu to reverse this decision. Instead of eroding polytechnic education, Nigeria should focus on strengthening it to produce the next generation of innovators, skilled professionals, and industrial leaders,” the statement read.
Established in 1947, YABATECH is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious polytechnics, producing graduates who have contributed significantly to fields such as engineering, technology, construction, and entrepreneurship.
NAPS Vows to Resist the Move
As the controversy unfolds, NAPS has vowed to mobilize polytechnic students across the country to resist the conversion of YABATECH into a university.
“We will not stand by and watch as the government undermines the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria. NAPS will mobilize students nationwide to resist this move and advocate for policies that strengthen technical education,” Oghayan warned.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.