Polytechnic Students Reject YABATECH’s University Status, Say ‘It’s A Betrayal

Polytechnic Students Reject YABATECH’s University Status, Say ‘It’s A Betrayal

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly opposed the federal government’s decision to convert Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, arguing that it threatens the essence of polytechnic education in Nigeria……..READ MORE 

During a working visit to YABATECH, Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the transition, citing the institution’s robust academic profile, including over 200 PhD-holding staff.

Reacting swiftly, NAPS President Eshiofune Oghayan, in a statement from Kaduna, condemned the move, stating that polytechnics provide vital hands-on industrial training, which could be lost with a shift to university status.

“Polytechnics serve as the bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical industrial applications. Converting them into universities would diminish this role,” Oghayan emphasized.

Instead of full conversion, NAPS advocated for an HND-to-B.Tech transition system, allowing graduates to obtain internationally recognized degrees while maintaining the technical foundation of polytechnic education.

Additionally, the association proposed upgrading the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a Polytechnic Education Commission to enhance funding, policy execution, and career progression for polytechnic graduates.

NAPS urged President Tinubu to reconsider the move and focus on strengthening Nigeria’s technical education sector rather than eliminating polytechnics.

“We appeal to President Tinubu to modernize and support technical education instead of phasing out polytechnics,” Oghayan stated.

The association warned that it would mobilize polytechnic students nationwide to resist the conversion, highlighting the crucial role of technical education in driving Nigeria’s industrialization and economic development.