By Shina Abubakar | Osogbo

The leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address what it described as the declining standard of polytechnic and technical education in Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists in Osogbo at the weekend, the newly elected NAPS Southwest Coordinator, Adewale Ogunsola, said the falling quality of technical education could negatively affect national development if not urgently addressed.

Ogunsola also expressed concern over the widening gap between polytechnic and university graduates, calling on the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to review licensing standards for private polytechnics.

He alleged that several private institutions currently operating do not meet the required academic or infrastructural standards.

“The high inflation has contributed to the low standard of polytechnic education. Most institutions are no longer conducting proper practicals, while some rely on alternative arrangements that defeat the purpose of technical education,” he said.

He added that lecturers and non-academic staff in polytechnics are also affected by rising costs of transportation and living, leading to reduced morale, lower productivity, and difficulties in conducting practical training and fieldwork.

The student leader urged the Executive Secretary of the NBTE to take decisive action by reviewing and, where necessary, withdrawing accreditation from substandard private polytechnics.

He further criticised what he described as the poor welfare structure for polytechnic lecturers compared to their counterparts in universities, warning that the disparity is weakening the technical education system.

“The disparity between polytechnic lecturers and university lecturers is no longer acceptable. It undermines the entire polytechnic system,” he said.

NAPS called on the Federal Government to implement fair welfare policies, improved recognition, and comprehensive reforms to strengthen technical and vocational education in Nigeria.