The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has endorsed the Federal Government’s plan to convert Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a technical and vocational university.
The student body expressed its support during a recent fact-finding visit to the institution’s management at the college’s Council Chamber, following the government’s announcement on the new status of Nigeria’s premier polytechnic.
Leading the delegation, NAPS National President, Comrade Eshofune Oghayon, said the visit was aimed at understanding the implications of the planned transition and ensuring students’ interests were considered.
Oghayon acknowledged the significance of the conversion but admitted the initial reaction from the association was one of concern, given YABATECH’s status as a model institution within the polytechnic system.
“The news came as a surprise. YABATECH is one institution we believe has a complete and functional structure. Its contributions to national and industrial development are well established. We were worried that turning it into a conventional university could undermine its unique identity and strength in technical education,” he said.
He, however, clarified that NAPS is not opposed to progress but believes that key stakeholders must be consulted in matters of such importance.
“We are not against advancement. What we stand for is proper engagement. As stakeholders in technical education, we believe our voice must be heard. Over the years, we have called for the National Board for Technical Education to be upgraded to a commission and for the Higher National Diploma to be given the same recognition as a Bachelor of Technology,” he added.
Following a closed-door session with the college’s management, NAPS leadership expressed satisfaction with the clarification provided by the Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, that the institution would not become a conventional university but a specialised one focused on technical and vocational training.
“We were reassured that YABATECH’s core mandate will remain. That clarity helped shift our position. We now support the transformation, provided it preserves the technical foundation the institution was built on,” Oghayon said.
Also speaking, Comrade Mohammed Abdullakiz Sarkis, Chairman of the NAPS Stakeholders Committee, stressed the symbolic value of YABATECH to the student movement.
“It would be disheartening to see an institution that represents so much for our association lose its identity. But we are glad the specialised university model retains that legacy,” he said.
In his remarks, Dr Abdul explained that the idea of upgrading YABATECH to a university had been in the pipeline since 2000, adding that the college had been working over the years to build capacity and develop the right structures for the change.
“This is not a political decision. It is a strategic transition. For over two decades, the college has been preparing for this. We have followed the process diligently,” he said.
He reiterated that YABATECH’s foundation in technical and vocational education remains intact and that the planned university will focus strictly on advancing technology-driven programmes and skills development.
“Polytechnics are the bedrock of technological education. Our conversion is not a departure from that foundation but a step toward deepening our impact. The future of the country depends on institutions that can develop a skilled workforce,” he said.
Dr Abdul commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for showing foresight in supporting the transformation, noting that similar changes in other institutions had yielded positive results.
He urged students across all higher institutions to work together for the greater good of the education sector.
“We are one academic community. There should be no division between polytechnic and university students. We must all play our part in building a stronger and more unified Nigeria,” he said.
