The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu had granted approval for the conversion of the institution into a university.
During a working visit to the college on Friday, the minister revealed that Tinubu had readily endorsed the proposal for its transformation, noting that YABATECH was a historic institution well-suited for this transition due to its academic strength, including over 200 staff members holding doctorate degrees in various disciplines.
He stated, “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, in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, the NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, stressed that turning the institution into a university would compromise the primary objectives of polytechnic education.
Oghayan contended that converting polytechnics into universities would diminish their distinctive role, shifting their emphasis toward theoretical learning rather than the practical and industry-focused training they were designed to provide.
Rather than converting polytechnics into universities, he advocated for the full execution of the HND to B.Tech transition.
According to the association, this transition would allow polytechnic graduates to obtain internationally recognized degrees, enhancing their competitiveness in the global job market.
He stated, “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.
“This move contradicts global best practices, where developed nations continue to strengthen and expand polytechnic education rather than eliminate it. Countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom have thriving technical and vocational education sectors that fuel their industrial economies.
“The HND to B.Tech transition is the most viable path to improving the status of polytechnic education while preserving its technical essence. This would ensure that polytechnic graduates receive the recognition they deserve without compromising the practical and industry-focused training that makes them valuable to the economy.”
The association further suggested that the National Board for Technical Education should be restructured into a Polytechnic Education Commission.
According to NAPS, such a move would raise the status and influence of polytechnic education in national policy-making, secure proper funding and policy enforcement, and create well-defined career paths for polytechnic graduates to advance professionally.
“We urge the Federal Government to engage with NAPS, NBTE, and other key stakeholders in a comprehensive reform agenda that will reposition polytechnic education as a driving force for economic development.
“We are ready to collaborate in ensuring policies that empower Nigeria’s workforce, drive industrialization, and secure a prosperous future for our nation,” the association stated.
NAPS also called on Tinubu to reconsider the decision to upgrade YABATECH to a university.
“We passionately appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reconsider the decision to convert YABATECH into a university. Instead of eliminating polytechnics, Nigeria should focus on revamping and modernizing technical education to produce the next generation of innovators, skilled professionals, and industrial leaders,” the association pleaded.
Established in 1947, YABATECH is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most esteemed polytechnics, having trained thousands of highly skilled professionals who have made significant contributions to various industries such as engineering, technology, construction, and entrepreneurship.
As discussions over the proposed upgrade persist, NAPS has vowed to mobilize polytechnic students nationwide to oppose the decision.
“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,” the NAPS President warned.
