NAPS Backs YABATECH’s Upgrade to TVET University, Drops Opposition After Clarification from Rector

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has declared its full support for the federal government’s decision to transform Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) University, following a fact-finding visit to the institution’s management.

The NAPS delegation, led by its National President, Comrade Eshofune Oghayon, had initially viewed the development as a cause for concern. However, after detailed deliberations with the college’s management, the student body has dropped its agitation and embraced the move, citing assurances that the new status will preserve the institution’s technical identity.

NAPS Initially Worried About Direction of Conversion

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the college’s Council Chamber, Comrade Oghayon said the association was unsettled by the announcement of YABATECH’s university status. According to him, the institution has long been a benchmark for technical education in Nigeria, and its transformation initially appeared to undermine its unique position.

“YABATECH is a structure in NAPS that we hold in high esteem,” he said, adding that the college represents one of the few institutions in Nigeria with a complete framework for technological and entrepreneurial education.

He expressed concern that the conversion could be perceived as a loss for technical education in Nigeria rather than a step forward, emphasizing the need for meaningful dialogue and student involvement in such decisions.

Rector Clarifies Vision Behind the Upgrade

In response, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, reassured the visiting NAPS executives that the institution is not becoming a conventional university but a specialized technical and vocational university.

He noted that the plan to convert the college into a university began as far back as the year 2000 and has been pursued methodically over the years.

“This is not a political decision or an imposed change,” he said. “YABATECH has been building capacity for this transition for decades. What we are establishing is a university that will champion TVET at the highest academic level—something this nation currently lacks.”

Dr. Abdul stressed that the conversion is aligned with the institution’s historical mission to advance practical, hands-on education that drives national development. He added that YABATECH’s new status would set it apart as a model for future-oriented, skills-driven universities in Nigeria.

A Turning Point in the Dialogue

The Rector’s clarification appeared to address many of the concerns raised by the students. Comrade Oghayon confirmed that the association now understands and supports the vision, stating that the assurance given by the college management has doused earlier tensions.

He emphasized that NAPS is not against progress or innovation but believes strongly in engaging relevant stakeholders to protect the interests of polytechnic students.

“NAPS has always advocated for the elevation of technical education, including the conversion of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to a National Commission and the recognition of the Higher National Diploma (HND) as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree,” he noted.

According to Oghayon, the transformation of YABATECH into a university that maintains its technical and vocational focus aligns with NAPS’ long-term objectives for Nigeria’s education sector.

Commitment to Collaboration

Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of NAPS Stakeholders Committee, Comrade Mohammed Abdullakiz Sarkis, echoed the president’s sentiments, stressing the importance of maintaining YABATECH’s legacy.

In his closing remarks, the Rector called for unity among student bodies, urging them to foster cooperation across all levels of education rather than promoting superiority or inferiority among institutions.

“We must embrace a symbiotic relationship in the education sector,” Dr. Abdul stated. “No role is superior to another. We are all working toward national development.”

He encouraged the association to continue working collaboratively with the college to ensure the smooth implementation of its new university status and to remain active in technical education advocacy nationwide.