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Poly Students Reject YABATECH’s Conversion To Varsity

Published

8 months ago

February 15, 2025

Editor

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

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

46 minutes ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

1 hour ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.

News

Recruitment: Customs Announces Exam Date For Shortlisted Applicants

Published

1 hour ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that the main online recruitment examination for shortlisted candidates in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres will be conducted on Thursday, 9 October 2025.

The service said the online test marks a major step in its ongoing nationwide recruitment process aimed at strengthening manpower in the middle and lower ranks of the organisation.

The exercise, according to the statement, will be held entirely online to ensure fairness, transparency and equal access for applicants across the country.

Candidates have been grouped into three batches A, B and C and are required to log in with their National Identification Number (NIN) through the official portal https://updates.customs.gov.ng, https://updates.customs.gov.ng) to check their batch, date and time of examination.

The NCS emphasised that compliance with the allocated schedule is compulsory, warning that failure to adhere could result in automatic disqualification.

Applicants have been strongly advised against the use of calculators, mobile phones or any other electronic devices during the examination.

The service further cautioned against multiple log-ins or switching between browser windows, stressing that such actions could disrupt or terminate participation in the test.

Only candidates shortlisted under the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres are eligible to participate at this stage, while those in the Superintendent cadre will be notified separately for their own phase of the process.

NCS noted that the exam represents part of the NCS’s ongoing effort to modernise its recruitment and ensure that only qualified candidates proceed to the next stage of selection.

The use of online testing, they said, allows for improved efficiency and reduces human interference in the marking and assessment process.

The NCS reiterated its commitment to integrity, transparency, and merit-based recruitment, urging all applicants to follow the laid-down procedures strictly.

It also encouraged candidates to maintain vigilance against online scammers or fake recruitment agents posing as customs officials, warning that all genuine updates would be published only through official NCS channels and its verified social media pages.