Minister justifies conversion of polytechnics to technical universities
The Minister of Education, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has justified the decision to convert polytechnics to technical universities.
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“The rationale for converting some of the polytechnics into technical universities is to achieve parity of esteem with the universities without departing from the practical-oriented philosophy of polytechnic education and training,” she explained at the Bachelor of Technology congregation of the Accra Polytechnic yesterday.
The ceremony marked the second Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) graduation, during which 67 students graduated.
A memorable day for Sitsofe
It was a day to remember for Mr Yabani Daniel Sitsofe, who emerged not only as the Best Student in the Science Laboratory Technology, 2013 graduands, but also as the overall best graduating student.
Polytechnics to remain focused
The minister said it was expected that the upgraded polytechnics would be required to remain focused on their core function of training technicians and technologists at a higher level to meet the exigencies of the rapid changing technology-driven work environment.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang told the congregation that the committee tasked to develop a road map for the conversion of polytechnics to technical universities recommended a gradual upgrading based on criteria such as qualification levels, practical industrial experience of lecturers and the quality of collaboration of the polytechnic with industry and businesses.
Congratulating the graduands, she said their desire to make a difference where they were, should be through consultations and partnership, adding, “May you walk away from the Accra Polytechnic with grace, with confidence that you have received fine tutoring with respect for diversity, consideration for others, humility and moderation.”
More land
The council chairman of the polytechnic, Professor Joshua Alabi, announced that the institution had purchased an additional 30 acres of land to be added to the initial 100 acres and expressed the hope that “with the support of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), the Ministry of Education, the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Cotvet) and other industry partners, we will be able to develop our newly acquired land into a state-of-the-art campus”.
He reminded the graduands that they would face challenges as they moved into the world of work, but advised them to be committed in every task they set themselves to achieve, stressing, “Do not think the grass is greener outside our dear country Ghana.”
The Rector of the polytechnic, Professor Sylvester Achio, said it was the belief of the polytechnic that it had instilled in the graduands analytic and creative minds, with the capacity for judgement and discernment that could guide them through a lifetime that promised an abundance of change.
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