The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has rejected the proposed conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, advocating instead for a transition from awarding Higher National Diplomas (HND) to Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees and the establishment of a Polytechnic Education Commission.
In a statement signed by its President, Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, NAPS, which represents over 28.1 million Nigerian polytechnic students globally, expressed concerns that such a move would undermine the core mission of polytechnic education.
“While we acknowledge the government’s efforts to improve higher education, turning YABATECH into a university would be counterproductive and detrimental to the essence of technical education,” the statement read.
NAPS emphasized that polytechnics are designed to provide hands-on, skills-based training that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial applications, unlike universities that focus primarily on academics and research.
“YABATECH, as Nigeria’s first tertiary institution, has played a pivotal role in shaping technical education. Converting it into a university risks shifting its focus away from practical, industry-driven training to theory-based learning,” the statement warned.
The association argued that the move contradicts global best practices, citing countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the UK, where technical and vocational education systems are thriving and driving industrial growth.
Instead of eliminating polytechnics, NAPS urged the government to reform and strengthen them to meet 21st-century technological demands, ensuring that Nigeria’s workforce remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.