Nigerian Polytechnic students have voiced strong opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent approval for the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a full-fledged university. The decision, which was celebrated by some as a step towards enhancing higher education, has sparked outrage among polytechnic students who feel it undermines the value and relevance of polytechnic education.
In a statement issued today, the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) expressed concerns that the approval sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that polytechnics are not worthy of the same level of respect and support as universities. According to the association, the move disregards the critical role polytechnics play in providing practical skills and technical expertise to Nigeria’s workforce.
“Polytechnics are the backbone of Nigeria’s technical education and economic development,” said Chinedu Nwosu, President of NAPS. “By converting YABATECH into a university, the government is sending the wrong message about the value of polytechnic education. This move, while seemingly positive, could lead to the marginalization of our institutions, affecting the quality of technical training that our country desperately needs.”
Polytechnic students are urging the Nigerian government to focus on reforms that enhance the quality of polytechnic education across the country, rather than converting technical institutions into universities, which they believe could dilute the purpose of polytechnic education. They are also demanding that the government take immediate steps to address longstanding issues such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, and poor infrastructure in polytechnics.
The controversy surrounding the YABATECH conversion is part of a broader debate on the future of technical education in Nigeria. Many stakeholders argue that while there is a need for more universities in the country, it should not come at the expense of polytechnic education, which provides essential training for a variety of skilled trades and professions.