POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS OPPOSE YABATECH’S UPGRADE TO UNIVERSITY
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The National Association of Polytechnic Students has rejected the proposed transformation of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, into a university.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, revealed on Friday that President Bola Tinubu had given approval for the college’s conversion into a university.
During a working visit to the institution on Friday, the minister stated that Tinubu promptly endorsed the proposal, emphasizing that YABATECH, as a distinguished institution, was well-suited for the upgrade due to its more than 200 staff members holding doctorate degrees in various disciplines.
He said, “The rector said some minutes ago that the staff, students, and management of the college had been praying and fasting that it be converted to a university. Somehow, you have kind of ambushed me.”
In a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, NAPS President Eshiofune Oghayan stressed that converting polytechnics into universities would compromise the core objectives of polytechnic education.
He contended that such a move would diminish the distinct role of polytechnics, shifting their emphasis from practical and industry-focused training to theoretical learning.
Rather than transforming polytechnics into universities, Oghayan called for the full implementation of the HND to B.Tech transition.
According to the association, this approach would allow polytechnic graduates to obtain internationally recognized degrees, enhancing their competitiveness in the global job market.
He said, “We reject the proposed conversion of YABATECH into a university. Polytechnic institutions like YABATECH play a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. They emphasise hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification.
“This move contradicts global best practices, where developed nations continue to strengthen and expand polytechnic education rather than eliminate it. Countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom have thriving technical and vocational education sectors that fuel their industrial economies.
“The HND to B.Tech transition is the most viable path to improving the status of polytechnic education while preserving its technical essence. This would ensure that polytechnic graduates receive the recognition they deserve without compromising the practical and industry-focused training that makes them valuable to the economy.”
The association also suggested transforming the National Board for Technical Education into a Polytechnic Education Commission.
According to NAPS, this change would enhance the recognition and influence of polytechnic education in national planning, secure proper funding and policy execution, and create well-defined career advancement and professional development opportunities for polytechnic graduates.
“We urge the Federal Government to engage with NAPS, NBTE, and other key stakeholders in a comprehensive reform agenda that will reposition polytechnic education as a driving force for economic development.
“We are ready to collaborate in ensuring policies that empower Nigeria’s workforce, drive industrialization, and secure a prosperous future for our nation”, the association stated.
NAPS also appealed to Tinubu to reconsider the decision to convert YABATECH into a university.
“We passionately appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reconsider the decision to convert YABATECH into a university. Instead of eliminating polytechnics, Nigeria should focus on revamping and modernizing technical education to produce the next generation of innovators, skilled professionals, and industrial leaders,” the association pleaded.
YABATECH, established in 1947, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious polytechnics. It has produced thousands of highly skilled professionals who have contributed immensely to various industries, including engineering, technology, construction, and entrepreneurship.
As the debate over the proposed conversion continues, NAPS has vowed to mobilize polytechnic students across the country to resist the move.
“We will not fold our arms and watch as the government undermines the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria. We will mobilize our members to resist this move and ensure that the government prioritizes the development of polytechnic education,” NAPS President warned.
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