Why NAPS Must Reject the Upgrade of YABATECH to a University

The Federal Government recently approved the upgrade of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), the best polytechnic in Nigeria, to a full-fledged university.

This decision has sparked mixed reactions among polytechnic students. While some see it as a positive step, it is essential to understand that upgrading a polytechnic to a university is not necessarily progress. In fact, it undermines polytechnic education.

For years, many students have lost interest in polytechnic education due to government policies that fail to recognize its value. The upgrade of YABATECH is another move that could weaken the polytechnic system rather than strengthen it.

1. Lagos Already Has Enough Universities

Lagos State already has a significant number of universities, making the upgrade of YABATECH unnecessary. In 2020, Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the upgrade of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) in Ikorodu to a university, now known as LASUSTECH.

Since then, students who preferred polytechnic education have turned to YABATECH as an alternative. If YABATECH is also converted into a university, polytechnic students will be left with limited options. Many will be forced to seek admission in private polytechnics or travel to other states, which is unfair. Additionally, the transition to a university will discontinue ND and HND programs, focusing solely on degree programs.

2. Increased Admission Cut-off Marks

The transformation of YABATECH into a university will lead to higher admission cut-off marks. For instance, when LASPOTECH became LASUSTECH, its UTME cut-off increased to 180, whereas it was previously 120 for polytechnic applicants.

A similar shift will happen at YABATECH, making it harder for students who prefer polytechnic education to gain admission. Many who would have chosen polytechnics for their hands-on training approach may now be excluded from higher education opportunities.

3. No Real Benefit for Polytechnic Students

The upgrade of YABATECH offers little benefit to current polytechnic students. ND students will still receive ND certificates, and HND students will still graduate with HND certificates. Instead of converting polytechnics into universities, the government should allow polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees or, better yet, abolish the HND-BSc dichotomy.

4. Polytechnic and University Education Serve Different Purposes

Polytechnic education is designed to provide hands-on, practical training, while universities focus more on theoretical knowledge. Upgrading a polytechnic to a university does not preserve its unique training approach; instead, it shifts the focus entirely to academic theory. This change could reduce the number of institutions offering the technical and vocational education that polytechnics are known for.

5. Loss of Interest in Polytechnic Education

If the government continues to convert polytechnics into universities instead of addressing the disparity between HND and BSc qualifications, many students will lose interest in polytechnic education. Polytechnics will continue to be seen as a second choice or last resort for students.

Rather than upgrading YABATECH to a university, the government should focus on strengthening polytechnic education. Providing better funding, allowing polytechnics to award B.Tech degrees, and eliminating the HND-BSc dichotomy would be more effective solutions. NAPS and other student bodies must reject this upgrade and advocate for policies that truly support polytechnic education.