Education
Poly Students Reject Conversion Of YABATECH To University
By Benjamin Abioye
The government’s plan to convert YABATECH, the foremost polytechnic in Nigeria into a polytechnic is being strongly opposed by polytechnic students.
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly opposed the plan to convert Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos into a university.
This reaction followed an announcement by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stating that President Bola Tinubu had approved the conversion of the institution.
In a statement released on Saturday, NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, expressed concern that turning YABATECH into a university would weaken the value of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
“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,” the statement said.
Oghayan stressed that instead of scrapping polytechnics, the government should focus on upgrading the Higher National Diploma (HND) to a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech). He explained that this transition would give Nigerian polytechnic graduates better recognition globally and improve their job opportunities.
He also pointed out that countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the UK have strong technical education systems that help drive industrial growth. According to him, Nigeria should follow this model to strengthen its workforce.
To further support polytechnic education, he suggested renaming the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) as the Polytechnic Education Commission, making it a stronger body to oversee technical education in the country.
“We will not fold our arms and watch as the government undermines the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria. We will mobilize our members to resist this move and ensure that the government prioritizes the development of polytechnic education,” he stated.
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