Conversion of polytechnics into technical universities
Minority members of parliament (MPs) on Tuesday raised some concerns about the government's decision to convert polytechnics to technical universities.
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They argued that the polytechnics were meant to train the middle-level manpower of the country and that their conversion into technical universities might defeat that purpose if care was not taken.
Again, the Minority MPs said the conversion should not only be about the changing of name or rebranding but rather the offering of higher education in the science and technology-based courses.
However, Majority MPs said the conversion was to enhance the capacity of polytechnics to do higher engineering, science and technology related courses.
They said technical universities would produce graduates to meet the requirements of industry.
The MPs expressed the divergent views after the Minister of Education, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, had moved the motion for the second reading of the Technical Universities Bill, 2016 and the subsequent presentation of the report of the Committee on Education by its Chairman, Mr Mathias A. Puozaa.
The bill seeks to establish technical universities by converting existing polytechnics to technical universities to provide higher education with emphasis on science and technology-oriented disciplines, technical and vocational training, as well as applied arts and related courses.
Presenting the report, Mr Puozaa said technical universities, as higher education learning institutions, would be dedicated to the development of high-level technical skills, with a clear route for academic and professional progression of graduates from senior high schools and technical institutes, as well as persons willing to upgrade their technical and business skills.
"The committee noted that this will provide opportunities for such category of students and others who hitherto had limited opportunities to pursue higher education in the traditional universities, acquire degrees and other qualifications relating to their field of study," he said.
It was the observation by the committee that it was appropriate for the heads of technical universities to adopt the Vice Chancellor title as the traditional universities for the rebranding and improvement of public image of technical universities that ignited the debate.
Minority MPs
The MP for Old Tafo, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, said the focus should not be on changing of names or rebranding.
He said if the heads of the technical universities were called Rectors and they were able to perform their tasks well, that was all right.
Dr Osei said the focus should be on resourcing the faculties to offer quality tuition.
The MP for Subin, Mr Isaac Osei, said polytechnics were meant to produce the technical staff for the industry, so he wondered whether the government intended to phase out existing polytechnics and turn them all into technical universities.
The MP for Bekwai, Mr Joe Osei Owusu, called for more investment in existing polytechnics to enable them to perform their mandate of training technical hands for industry.
He said technical education should focus on the technical aspects of the training, but not on certificates.
Wrapping up the contribution for the Minority MPs, the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, stressed the need for government to get the rudiments right.
"Let’s get the rudiments right. Once we get them, other things will be added. We have to concern ourselves with the details, but let us not be in a rush," he said.
Majority MPs
The MP for Tamale South, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, said the change in focus and orientation of technical education would address the unemployment situation in the country.
"Technical universities are drivers of economic growth and drivers of employment," he said.
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The Deputy Majority Whip and MP for Banda, Mr Ibrahim Ahmed, said technical universities were to train the manpower to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The MP for North Tongu and Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the technical universities was a global concept, and that it was not an issue of nomenclature or change of name or rebranding.
Second reading
The Bill was subsequently taken through the second reading.
The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, said it was important to guard against the technical universities offering courses not related to technical education.
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That, he said, was the main cause of graduate unemployment in the country.
Mr Adjaho asked the Ministry of Education and the committee to use the Bill to address those challenges.