By Bernice Bessey (bbessey@yahoo.com)
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The process initiated by the government to convert polytechnics into universities by 2016 has been hampered by the strike action embarked upon by polytechnics teachers, according to the Minister of Education, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang.
According to the Education Minister, the plan to help reposition polytechnics as strategic institutions for the training of highly-skilled human resource to drive the nation’s socio-economic development was tempered with by POTACH strike action in demand for reinstatement of research and book allowance.
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Prof. Jane Opoku Agyemang made the observation while addressing the second graduation ceremony of Bachelor of Technology Students of Accra Polytechnic over the weekend in Accra.
She said the committee has been tasked to develop a roadmap for the conversion of the polytechnics to be graded into universities, but, however warned that “”when polytechnics are converted, they are not to become “traditional” universities with similar mandates or duplicate the courses and programmes that the universities are offering”.
As part of the conversion, the committee recommended an upgrade in the qualification levels, practical industrial experience of lectures and quality collaboration of the polytechnics with industry and businesses.
The committee further suggested that facilities such as infrastructure, equipment and training resources at the polytechnics must be considered.
“It is important to stress that rational for converting some of the polytechnics into technical universities is to achieve parity of esteem with the universities without departing from practical-oriented philosophy of polytechnic education and training,” she said.
She reiterated that the polytechnics must stick to the core function of training technicians and technologists at a higher level to meet the exigencies of the rapidly changing, technology-driven work environment.
The Rector of the Accra Polytechnic, Prof. Sylvester Achio, said the “Accra Poly”, as is mostly called, has inculcated into the graduands analytical and creative habits that would help their sense of judgment and discernment.
He said Accra Poly was proud to celebrate its collective efforts and hard work that have produce graduates who are ready and willing to service the country.
In all a total of 101 students graduated with 4% obtaining first class, 50%, second class upper and 46%, second class lower.
Daniel Sitsofe Yanani had first class in the Bachelor of Technology in science laboratory technology was adjudged best student of 2013 and was awarded an amount of GH¢500.00 and two citations for his outstanding performance.