The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly opposed the proposed conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, arguing that such a move would weaken the core purpose of polytechnic education in Nigeria. The association insists that polytechnics serve a unique role in providing hands-on, industry-focused training that cannot be effectively replaced by the university system.
Reports earlier indicated that Minister of Education Tunji Alausa announced the upgrade on Friday, following approval by President Bola Tinubu. The decision was made public during a working visit to YABATECH, where the Minister praised the institution’s capabilities, particularly highlighting its strength in staff qualifications. According to Alausa, YABATECH boasts over 200 PhD-holding lecturers, which makes it well-equipped to transition into a university.
Alausa further stated that the demand for the upgrade had come from various quarters, including students, staff, and management. “The staff, students, and management have been advocating for this transition for a long time, and President Tinubu promptly granted approval,” he explained.
However, in a swift and firm response, NAPS President Eshiofune Oghayan released a statement in Kaduna on Saturday, condemning the decision and calling for its reversal. He emphasized that polytechnics play a vital role in Nigeria’s education system by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial applications. He warned that converting polytechnics into universities would shift the focus from practical, hands-on learning to theory-based education, which may not align with Nigeria’s industrialization goals.
“Polytechnics serve as a crucial link between theoretical education and real-world industry applications,” Oghayan stated. “Converting them into universities will only dilute their core mandate, making it harder for students to acquire the hands-on experience needed for the workforce.”
As an alternative, NAPS proposed the establishment of a structured Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) conversion program. This initiative, they argue, would allow polytechnic graduates to obtain internationally recognized degrees without undermining the technical and practical focus of polytechnic education. According to the association, this structured program would provide polytechnic students with career progression opportunities while still maintaining the distinct nature of polytechnic training.
In addition, NAPS called for the transformation of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a Polytechnic Education Commission. This new body, they argue, would be dedicated to enhancing the funding, policy formulation, and implementation of technical education reforms in Nigeria. The association believes that this move would create a more robust system that ensures polytechnic graduates have greater career opportunities and are recognized on equal footing with their university counterparts.
Furthermore, NAPS urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the conversion and instead channel efforts toward strengthening and modernizing Nigeria’s technical education sector. The association emphasized that a strong technical education system is crucial for industrial growth and economic advancement. “We appeal to President Tinubu to focus on modernizing technical education rather than phasing out polytechnics. This is key to Nigeria’s economic and industrial development,” Oghayan remarked.
Issuing a strong warning, NAPS threatened to mobilize students across the country in protest if the government proceeds with the conversion. The association vowed to resist any policy that undermines polytechnic education, stressing the essential role of polytechnics in producing highly skilled professionals for national development.