The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly opposed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos into a university, arguing that the move would undermine the essence of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, maintained that turning polytechnics into universities would erode their unique role in providing practical and industrial-based training.
Instead, he called for the full implementation of the Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) transition to enhance the global competitiveness of polytechnic graduates.
NAPS’ reaction comes after the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced Tinubu’s approval during a working visit to YABATECH on Friday.
According to the minister, the institution’s management, staff, and students had long sought the transition, and the president wasted no time in granting approval.
“This school is a legacy, and with over 200 staff members holding doctorate degrees in various fields, it is more than ready and fit to become a university,” Alausa said.
He also highlighted the administration’s commitment to technical and vocational education, emphasizing its role in curbing the “Japa Syndrome” by equipping students with relevant skills.
However, NAPS argued that developed nations like Germany, China, Canada, and the UK continue to strengthen and expand polytechnic education rather than phase it out. Oghayan stressed that preserving Nigeria’s polytechnic system is crucial for industrialization and economic diversification.
“We reject the proposed conversion of YABATECH into a university. Polytechnic institutions like YABATECH bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. They emphasize hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for Nigeria’s economic growth,” Oghayan stated.
Instead of converting polytechnics into universities, NAPS proposed upgrading the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a Polytechnic Education Commission. This, they argued, would elevate the sector’s status, improve funding, and establish clearer career progression pathways for graduates.
NAPS further urged the federal government to engage key stakeholders in a comprehensive reform agenda to reposition polytechnic education as a driver of economic development.
“We passionately appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reconsider this decision. Instead of eliminating polytechnics, Nigeria should focus on modernizing technical education to produce the next generation of skilled professionals and industrial leaders,” the statement added.
The association warned that it would mobilize polytechnic students nationwide to resist the move, vowing to take necessary actions to protect the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
“We will not fold our arms and watch as the government undermines the future of polytechnic education. We will mobilize our members to resist this move and ensure the government prioritizes polytechnic education development,” Oghayan added