President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a full-fledged university, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s Higher Education system. The Minister of Education, Dr. Moruf Olatunji Alausa, announced the decision during a visit to the institution, where he engaged with staff and industry stakeholders. While the official memo is still pending, Dr. Alausa assured the YABATECH community that the transition process has begun. He emphasised that the institution’s strong academic foundation, including over 200 doctoral-level faculty members, makes it well-equipped to take on the responsibilities of a university.
Dr. Alausa highlighted the need to shift Nigeria’s educational priorities towards technical and vocational training. He stressed that the new university must align with President Tinubu’s vision of equipping students with practical skills for an industrialised economy. To achieve this, he proposed expanding online certification programmes in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence and software development. He also called for partnerships with private Investors to address challenges like student accommodation shortages, reducing the financial burden on the government.
Some experts propose funding Polytechnics over conversion.
Moreover, the leadership of YABATECH has welcomed the announcement, expressing confidence in the institution’s readiness for the transition. Rector Dr. Abdul Ibraheem stated that the goal is not just to become a university but to be a centre for Innovation in technical and vocational education. Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Funso Isola Afolabi, echoed this sentiment, citing the establishment of YABATECH’s Epe campus as proof of the institution’s commitment to modernising technical education. However, some Education experts argue that converting polytechnics into universities could weaken Nigeria’s ability to produce skilled technical workers, which are essential for industrial growth.
Furthermore, concerns have also been raised about the long-term impact on polytechnic education. Many students and parents perceive universities as superior, leading to declining enrolment in polytechnics. Instead of converting institutions, some experts suggest strengthening polytechnics by improving funding and aligning curricula with industry needs. They argue that a robust polytechnic system can produce skilled professionals essential for economic growth. Countries like Germany and Canada have successful technical education systems that operate alongside universities, demonstrating that both can coexist without one being considered inferior.
Vital technical courses could be overlooked in the transition.
Beyond the academic status, questions remain about the effect of this transition on students. University education often comes with higher tuition fees, and there are concerns that many students who currently afford polytechnic education may struggle with increased costs. Additionally, technical courses that are vital for industrial growth could be sidelined in favour of more traditional university programmes. Policymakers must ensure that YABATECH’s transformation does not dilute its technical training focus but instead enhances it.
Nigeria’s education system faces deeper challenges that a name change alone cannot fix. Funding shortages, outdated infrastructure, and a Curriculum that often fails to meet industry demands are long-standing issues. To ensure a meaningful transformation, the government must actively invest in both universities and polytechnics, creating a balanced system that values both academic knowledge and technical expertise. Without this, the conversion of institutions like YABATECH may do little to address the country’s broader education crisis.
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Ultimately, YABATECH’s transition offers both promise and challenges. If well-planned, it could become a model for integrating technical and university education. However, without a clear strategy, it risks weakening technical training at a time when Nigeria needs skilled workers. To succeed, the shift must balance academic growth with hands-on expertise, ensuring graduates are prepared for industry demands. The government and stakeholders must also provide adequate funding and Infrastructure to support this transformation. With careful execution, YABATECH could set a new standard for higher education in Nigeria.