The South-West zone of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to revoke the licences of substandard private polytechnics operating across Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, the newly elected South-West Coordinator of NAPS, Ogunsola Adewale, expressed concern over what he described as the proliferation of institutions lacking the capacity to deliver quality technical education.
Adewale said some private polytechnics currently in operation do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of infrastructure, staffing, and academic standards.
“We are calling on the Executive Secretary of NBTE to urgently address the irregularities and the existence of substandard private polytechnics and withdraw the accreditation of those that fail to meet required standards,” he said.
He added that some of the institutions fall far below acceptable benchmarks, noting that they are not adequately equipped to function as tertiary institutions.
The NAPS leader also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory oversight to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s polytechnic education system.
“As a responsible and forward-looking student body, we remain committed to constructive dialogue and partnership. We advocate continued government support for student-centred initiatives to cushion the impact of current economic challenges,” Adewale said.
He further called for improved campus and community security, enhanced student welfare measures, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure accessible and quality education across polytechnic institutions.
On academic matters, Adewale decried the disparity between polytechnic lecturers and their counterparts in universities, describing it as a long-standing issue that undermines the sector.
“The imbalance in welfare, recognition, and career progression between polytechnic and university lecturers is no longer acceptable. It has persisted for too long and continues to weaken the polytechnic system,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to implement policy reforms that would ensure equitable treatment for polytechnic lecturers, stressing that such measures are critical to strengthening technical and vocational education in the country.
“Anything short of this sends the wrong signal about the nation’s commitment to developing its technical and vocational education sector,” Adewale added.
The students’ body reiterated its commitment to engaging relevant authorities to improve standards and restore confidence in polytechnic education nationwide.