The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has rejected the proposed conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, arguing that such a move would undermine the core purpose of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its President, Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, NAPS advocated for a transition from awarding Higher National Diplomas (HND) to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees and the establishment of a dedicated Polytechnic Education Commission to oversee polytechnic institutions.
“While we recognize the government’s intent to enhance the quality of higher education in Nigeria, we firmly believe that converting YABATECH into a university would be counterproductive and detrimental to the fundamental goals of polytechnic education,” the statement read.
NAPS emphasized that polytechnics are designed to provide practical, technical, and skills-based training that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. Unlike universities, which focus on academic research, polytechnics prioritize hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation—key drivers of Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification.
As Nigeria’s first tertiary institution, YABATECH has played a pivotal role in technical education, producing highly skilled professionals in engineering, technology, construction, and entrepreneurship. NAPS warned that converting the institution into a university could shift its focus from practical training to theory-based learning, diluting its unique contribution to the economy.
Oghayan further argued that the proposal contradicts global best practices, citing countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the UK, which continue to strengthen their technical and vocational education sectors.
“Instead of phasing out polytechnics, the government should focus on reforming and strengthening them to meet 21st-century technological demands,” the statement concluded.
