NAPS Backs Yabatech’s Transformation To TVET University

The National Association of Polytechnics Students (NAPS) has backed the federal government’s stride to transform Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) into a Technical and Vocational University, contrary to its notion of a conventional varsity.

The National President, NAPS, Comrade Eshofune Oghayon and the executives, unanimously lend their voice and support to the move of converting the foremost institution in Nigeria to a technical and vocational university during a courtesy visit of fact finding to the College Management on the pronounced new status of the institution, held at its Council Chamber.

In his address to the management, he disclosed that the visit to the College is to discuss issues concerning the Association, particularly the transformation of Yabatech into a full-fledged university.

Comr. Oghayon stated that the news of Yabatech’s transformation into a university came to the Association as a direct attack, as the only institution in Nigeria that the Association considered had a complete structure is Yabatech, saying the association takes cognisance of the institution’s contribution to national development and its significant improvements.

Comr. Oghayon added that Yabatech has contributed immensely to the industrial development of the nation. If such an institution under the umbrella of NAPS is converted into a university, then it means a loss rather than a gain. 

According to him, NAPS is not entirely comfortable with the decision, hence the reason for the visit, “Yabatech is a structure in NAPS and we hold it in high esteem.”

He asserted that the Association is not against progress, but as an organisation, it is necessary to constructively engage relevant authorities and needs to be carried along in such changes.

The National President reiterated that NAPS has long advocated for the conversion of the National Board for Technical Education into a National Commission for Technical Education, and for upgrading the status of Higher National Diploma to Bachelor of Technology, which the government has declined to grant.

“The College can still be Yabatech and be offering a degree in technology to students.”

However, the NAPS President consented with the counsel of the Rector that they would not transform to a conventional university but a specialised varsity of technical and vocational studies, doused the body’s agitation for a showdown and embraced the ongoing new status.

Speaking, Chairman of the Stakeholders Committee of the Association, Comrade Mohammed Abdullakiz Sarkis, said it would not be a thing of joy to see an institution that has been the pride of the Association convert to a university.

In his response, the Rector, Dr. Engr Ibraheem Abdul, enlightened the NAPS executives and other student activists present that the plan to convert Yabatech to a University began as far back as the year 2000, as the institution has been building the necessary capacities to move to the next level.

Engr. Abdul stressed that the conversion is neither imposed nor politically influenced, stating that the move has been consistently pursued.

Addressing the issue of technological value development, he maintained that the polytechnic is the bedrock of technological advancement, saying Yabatech’s origin and trajectory have always been rooted in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which is why the institution is seeking conversion into a specialised university.

Dr Abdul hinted that the President has demonstrated great foresight, and believes the conversion of Yabatech into a university will be highly beneficial to the nation, just as previous conversions have been beneficial to the government.

He urged all students to see themselves as one, working together for national development, especially at the tertiary education level, emphasising that there should be no feelings of superiority or inferiority.