The authorised conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university has been fiercely contested by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), which contends that it compromises the fundamental goal of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
NAPS President Eshiofune Oghayan issued a statement denouncing the decision after Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced that President Bola Tinubu had authorised the 77-year-old institution’s upgrading. He emphasised the vital role polytechnics play in offering practical, industry-focused training that is necessary for Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic expansion.
Oghayan made the case that developed countries should improve technical and vocational education rather than phase it out, citing examples from China, Germany, Canada, and the UK. NAPS advocated for the complete implementation of the Higher National Diploma (HND) to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) transition rather than turning polytechnics into universities. This would guarantee that graduates of polytechnics retain their technical knowledge while earning degrees that are recognised across the world.
In order to improve funding, career advancement, and the general standing of polytechnic education, the association also suggested changing the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a Polytechnic Education Commission. Instead of abolishing polytechnics, NAPS asked the Federal Government to work with important stakeholders to modernise and reform technical education.
In order to protect the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria, NAPS urged President Tinubu to reevaluate the decision and threatened to organise students across the country to oppose the conversion if needed.
CREDIT: ALLSCHOOL, Allschoolabs
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