The graduating students. INSET: Prof Emmanuel Kojo Sakyi and Prof Mawutor Avoke
The rector of the Ho Polytechnic has stated that government might fail to convert all existing polytechnics into technical universities on schedule.
Professor Emmanuel Kojo Sakyi, who made the disclosure, said that although the conversion policy was worthy, the embargo on fresh recruitments into public sector agencies and institutions could disrupt it, adding that the development was negatively affecting the human resource base in the polytechnics.
He explained that as a result of the embargo on recruitment, the polytechnic had failed to replace staff who retired, resigned and passed on.
DAILY GUIDE said other institutions have also complained about similar human resource challenges, which to a large extent have affected productivity.
Speaking at the 15th congregation of the Ho Polytechnic recently, Prof. Sakyi said that the situation may derail ongoing processes in the conversion of the polytechnics into technical universities and appealed to government to, as a matter of urgency, reconsider the decision with regards to the polytechnics.
He said in our preparation towards conversion to technical university, government should lift the embargo on staff recruitment at least to enable starving institutions like the polytechnics to replace those who have passed on, retired and resigned.
“I will make a special appeal on behalf of Ho Polytechnic and other sister polytechnics for the government to be a bit benevolent in addressing very important policy issues, he indicated.
Lack of Gov’t Support
The Ho Poly rector also bemoaned the dwindling government support to the institution, which has resulted in undue delays in the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects.
He also called for immediate release of funds to continue the projects.
That notwithstanding Prof. Sakyi said that the polytechnic, through the support from stakeholders, launched a number of projects to enhance quality of training in the institution.
He indicated that 33 academic staff were currently pursuing further studies while some partnerships with other internationally acclaimed institutions had been brokered.
He said, “The polytechnic was successful in entering into agreements with some external institutions to run collaborative programmes to promote internationalization of the polytechnic.
The partnership involves ICT University, USA; Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa; Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Finland; Central University of Technology, South Africa; Information Training and Outreach Centre for Africa; Vellore Institute of Technology, India and Africa Global Sister Cities Foundation.
Plans are also underway to establish links with Pulaski Technical College, USA, he said.
In all, 1,507 graduates were presented with certificates in their various programmes of study, comprising 27 Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees, 1,452 Higher National Diplomas (HND) courses.
Some students were also taken through the newly introduced Competency-Based Training (CBT).
The Council Chairman of the Polytechnic and the new Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Education Winneba (UEW), Prof Mawutor Avoke said, “We are proud of your academic achievements and share in your joy and excitement on this special day. It is our hope that you become enviable ambassadors of the polytechnic wherever you find yourselves.
(freduoo@gmail.com)
From Fred Duodu, Ho