The National Association of Polytechnic Students has opposed the proposed conversion of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos into a university.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu approved the conversion of the college to a university.
The minister had during a working visit to the institution on Friday, disclosed that Tinubu was not hesitant to approve the proposal to convert the institution into a university, adding that YABATECH was a legacy school fit for conversion because it had over 200 staff members holding doctorate degrees in various fields.
He said, “The rector said some minutes ago that the staff, students, and management of the college had been praying and fasting that it be converted to a university. Somehow, you have kind of ambushed me.”
However, a statement released by NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, in Kaduna on Saturday, emphasised that the conversion would undermine the fundamental goals of polytechnic education.
Oghayan argued that converting polytechnics into universities would erode their unique role and shift their focus toward theory-based learning rather than practical and industrial-based training.
Instead of converting polytechnics into universities, he advocated for the full implementation of the HND to B.Tech transition.
This, according to the association, would enable polytechnic graduates to receive internationally recognised degrees, making them more competitive in the global job market.
He said, “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 emphasise hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification.
