President Bola Tinubu has approved converting Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a university, according to Education Minister Tunji Alausa. The decision aims to enhance academic opportunities, but reactions remain mixed, with some praising the upgrade and others concerned about the impact on technical and vocational education.
President Bola Tinubu has approved for the conversion of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) into a full-fledged university, according to Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
Alausa announced during his visit to the institution on Wednesday that YABATECH meets all the requirements to transition into a university. He highlighted the school's strong academic foundation, noting that over 200 staff members hold doctorate degrees across various fields.
"The staff, students, and management of this institution have long hoped for this transformation. When I discussed it with President Tinubu, he approved it without hesitation. We are now waiting for the necessary documentation and final approvals," Alausa stated.
The minister emphasized that the change aligns with the administration’s commitment to advancing education and creating better opportunities for Nigerian students. He credited Tinubu for his dedication to youth development, describing education as a priority for the government.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. While some stakeholders welcome the upgrade, arguing it will enhance academic opportunities, others have expressed concerns about maintaining the institution’s original mandate as a polytechnic. Critics argue that polytechnics serve a distinct purpose by offering practical and technical training, and converting them into universities may dilute their vocational focus.
Despite differing opinions, YABATECH’s transition to a university marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s higher education sector, signaling potential changes in the country’s approach to technical and tertiary education.
