NAPS Opposes YABATECH’s Conversion to a University: The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has strongly opposed the plan to turn Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university.
In a statement signed by its president, Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, NAPS suggested that instead of converting the institution, the government should allow polytechnics to start awarding B.Tech degrees and replace the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) with a Polytechnic Education Commission.
According to the statement: “NAPS, which represents over 28.1 million polytechnic students in Nigeria and beyond, expresses deep concern over the proposed transformation of YABATECH into a university.
“While we understand the government’s efforts to improve higher education, we believe that this move would harm the original purpose of polytechnic education.”
Explaining why the conversion is a bad idea, NAPS stated that polytechnics were created to offer practical, hands-on training that connects academic knowledge with real-world industrial applications.
“Unlike universities that focus mainly on theory and research, polytechnics specialize in skill-based learning, problem-solving, and innovation. These are essential for Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic progress.”
As Nigeria’s first tertiary institution, YABATECH has played a key role in developing the country’s technical education system. It has trained thousands of skilled professionals who have contributed significantly to fields like engineering, technology, construction, and entrepreneurship.
The association warned that turning YABATECH into a university would shift its focus from practical skills to more theory-based education, reducing its impact on industry and innovation.
Oghayan further stated that this move contradicts international best practices, as advanced countries are strengthening polytechnic education instead of removing it.
“Countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom have strong technical and vocational education systems that drive their industrial economies. Instead of eliminating polytechnics in Nigeria, the government should focus on improving and modernizing them to meet global technological standards,” the statement concluded.
