Polytechnic Students Reject YABATECH’s Conversion to University

 The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university. This follows the announcement by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Friday that President Bola Tinubu had approved the conversion.

During a working visit to the institution, Dr. Alausa highlighted that YABATECH was a legacy institution well-suited for university status, noting that it boasted over 200 staff members with doctorate degrees. “The rector mentioned earlier that the staff, students, and management of the college had been praying and fasting for this conversion. Somehow, you have kind of ambushed me,” Alausa remarked.

However, in a statement released on Saturday, NAPS President Eshiofune Oghayan expressed concerns that the conversion would undermine the fundamental goals of polytechnic education. He argued that turning polytechnics into universities would shift their focus from practical and industrial-based training to theory-based learning, thereby eroding their unique role in the education sector.

Instead of conversion, Oghayan advocated for the full implementation of the Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) transition program. This would allow polytechnic graduates to receive internationally recognized degrees while maintaining the hands-on training essential for industrial development.

“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 emphasize hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification,” Oghayan stated.

The association also proposed transforming the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a Polytechnic Education Commission. This, they believe, would enhance the status of polytechnic education by ensuring adequate funding, policy implementation, and structured career progression for polytechnic graduates.

NAPS urged the Federal Government to engage with stakeholders such as NBTE in a comprehensive reform agenda to strengthen polytechnic education rather than eliminating it.