News

Poly Students Reject YABATECH’s Conversion To Varsity

Published

7 months ago

February 15, 2025

The National Association of Polytechnic Students has opposed the proposed conversion of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos into a university.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu approved the conversion of the college to a university.

The minister had during a working visit to the institution on Friday, disclosed that Tinubu was not hesitant to approve the proposal to convert the institution into a university, adding that YABATECH was a legacy school fit for conversion because it had over 200 staff members holding doctorate degrees in various fields.

He said, “The rector said some minutes ago that the staff, students, and management of the college had been praying and fasting that it be converted to a university. Somehow, you have kind of ambushed me.”

However, a statement released by NAPS President, Eshiofune Oghayan, in Kaduna on Saturday, emphasised that the conversion would undermine the fundamental goals of polytechnic education.

Oghayan argued that converting polytechnics into universities would erode their unique role and shift their focus toward theory-based learning rather than practical and industrial-based training.

Instead of converting polytechnics into universities, he advocated for the full implementation of the HND to B.Tech transition.

This, according to the association, would enable polytechnic graduates to receive internationally recognised degrees, making them more competitive in the global job market.

He said, “We reject the proposed conversion of YABATECH into a university. Polytechnic institutions like YABATECH play a crucial role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial application. They emphasise hands-on experience, problem-solving, and innovation, which are essential for Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification.

“This move contradicts global best practices, where developed nations continue to strengthen and expand polytechnic education rather than eliminate it. Countries like Germany, China, Canada, and the United Kingdom have thriving technical and vocational education sectors that fuel their industrial economies.

“The HND to B.Tech transition is the most viable path to improving the status of polytechnic education while preserving its technical essence. This would ensure that polytechnic graduates receive the recognition they deserve without compromising the practical and industry-focused training that makes them valuable to the economy.”

The association also proposed the conversion of the National Board for Technical Education into a Polytechnic Education Commission.

This, according to NAPS, would elevate the status and authority of polytechnic education in national planning, ensure adequate funding and policy implementation, and establish clear pathways for career progression and professional development for polytechnic graduates.

“We urge the Federal Government to engage with NAPS, NBTE, and other key stakeholders in a comprehensive reform agenda that will reposition polytechnic education as a driving force for economic development.

“We are ready to collaborate in ensuring policies that empower Nigeria’s workforce, drive industrialization, and secure a prosperous future for our nation”, the association stated.

NAPS also appealed to Tinubu to reconsider the decision to convert YABATECH into a university.

“We passionately appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reconsider the decision to convert YABATECH into a university. Instead of eliminating polytechnics, Nigeria should focus on revamping and modernizing technical education to produce the next generation of innovators, skilled professionals, and industrial leaders,” the association pleaded.

YABATECH, established in 1947, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious polytechnics. It has produced thousands of highly skilled professionals who have contributed immensely to various industries, including engineering, technology, construction, and entrepreneurship.

As the debate over the proposed conversion continues, NAPS has vowed to mobilize polytechnic students across the country to resist the move.

“We will not fold our arms and watch as the government undermines the future of polytechnic education in Nigeria. We will mobilize our members to resist this move and ensure that the government prioritizes the development of polytechnic education,” NAPS President warned.

News

FG Makes History Compulsory Subject In Primary, Secondary Schools

Published

6 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has announced the reintroduction of Nigerian History as a compulsory subject from primary to senior secondary school, 16 years after it was removed from the curriculum in 2009, under the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced this in a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday.

It said the reintroduction aimed at strengthening national identity, unity, and patriotism among diverse citizens.

“For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study History continuously from Primary 1 to JSS3, while SSS1–3 students will take the new Civic and Heritage Studies, integrating History with Civic Education.

“Primary 1–6: Pupils will learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, rulers, culture, politics, economy, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance.

“JSS1–3: Students will study civilisations, empires, trade, European contacts, amalgamation, independence, democracy, and civic values,” the statement read.

The Ministry said the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, CON, together with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the reform.

“They emphasised that History is not merely a record of the past, but a vital foundation for shaping responsible and patriotic citizens.”

According to the Ministers, the reform is a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to national development.

The Ministry has released the revised curriculum and will retrain teachers, provide resources, and strengthen monitoring.

The former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua-led government in 2009 removed history from Nigeria’s basic education curriculum.

Then, it was justified that students were avoiding it with the claim that there were few jobs for history graduates, and that there was dearth of history teachers.

In 2022, the Ministry of Education under former Minister Adamu Adamu inaugurated the reintroduction of the subject.

The Ministry also trained history teachers at the basic education level in Abuja.

However, history has always remained optional in the few schools that offer it.

News

Police Announce Burial Arrangements For Ex-IG Arase

Published

6 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has released the burial arrangements for former Inspector-General of Police Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.

Arase, who served as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, was described by the Force as a dedicated officer remembered for his leadership, philanthropy and commitment to police reforms.

According to the programme of events signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, released on Wednesday, the burial rites will begin in Abuja on September 24 with a Day of Tribute at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi.

A requiem mass will follow on September 26 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, while a lying-in-state is scheduled for September 27 at his Abuja residence. His body will then depart for Benin City, Edo State.

In his hometown, Sabongida Ora, a candlelight procession is slated for September 29.

A valedictory session organised by the Edo State judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association will hold at the Edo State High Court, Benin, on October 2.

Other activities include a service of songs at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin, on October 2, followed by a family lying-in-state.

The funeral mass will take place on October 3 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, after which interment will be held at his private residence in Benin City.

A reception is planned at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, while a thanksgiving mass will round off the events on October 5.

Arase, who held national honours including CFR, and was also a PhD holder, was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired in June 2016.

He died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.

News

Lagos Begins Monitoring As Schools Resume

Published

6 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Education Quality Assurance, has commenced the monitoring of schools for compliance with standards as students resumed activities this week.

The OEQA spokesperson, Adepeju Adeyemi, said in a Wednesday statement sent to newsmen that the inspection began on Monday across the state for schools below the tertiary level.

The monitoring team, led by the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Remi Abdul, visited several schools, including Dolphin Senior High School, Lagos Island, where the team was received by the Principal/Director, Comfort Agunlejika.

Abdul explained that the purpose of the monitoring was to ensure compliance with the approved resumption date as stated in the Year 2025/2026 Harmonised Academic Calendar.

The PUNCH reports that basic and secondary schools in Lagos resumed on September 15, 2025, for the First Term of the Y2025/2026 session.

According to the approved 2025/2026 harmonised calendar made available to our correspondent, the First Half of the term is scheduled for September 15 to October 31, 2025, with a duration of 34 days. The second half will commence from November 10 to December 19, 2025, with a duration of 34 days. In between the halves are Open Day and Mid-Term Break.

Abdul noted that the monitoring team deployed was also verifying whether school administrators held pre-resumption meetings and whether key teaching and statutory records, such as lesson notes, diaries, and makeshift attendance registers, were in place for the smooth take-off of the new academic session.

“While addressing SSS 3 students, Abdul encouraged them to take their academics seriously, noting that how well they perform this term would determine their transition to higher education. He urged them to read well, stay focused, avoid skipping classes and begin early preparation for their WASSCE examinations,” the statement said.

He also encouraged teachers to remain dedicated and committed to delivering quality education.