The Takoradi Polytechnic will today [Monday], be converted into a technical university.
A ceremony to officially usher the institution will be officiated by President John Dramani Mahama at the school’s premises in Takoradi.
The Takoradi Polytechnic was established as a Government Technical Institute in 1954, and was upgraded to become part of the Tertiary Education System by the Polytechnic Law in 2007.
The Polytechnic started offering Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes in the 1992/93 academic year.
A visit to the Takoradi Polytechnic main campus on Monday, saw many activities which are geared towards the historic conversion into a technical university.
For example, new designs were embossed on the main entry walls, painters were applying final coats to the newly mounted entrance while some other office structures and equipment were being replaced. Other state-of-the-art machines have also been secured for the mechanical, electrical and welding departments.
Rector for the Takoradi Polytechnic, Rev. Frank Eshun, speaking to Citi News indicated the polytechnic’s readiness to witness for the conversion. He says the conversion of the institute into technical university will go a long way to enhance the knowledge impacted to students.
He said, “the conversion is going to ensure that highly skilled people suitable for the job market are churned out. There is going to be the opportunity to interact with industry and to provide human skills needed to solve industrial issues. It will also do away with the old-fashioned mentality people have against polytechnics”. For us at this polytechnic, we can say we are ready to be converted into a technical university.”
Some students who spoke to Citi News were excited about the conversion of the 62-year old institute.
“We have had to struggle to pursue our degree after our courses, but with this status now, this obstacle is no longer going to be on us. We are excited to have this status.”
Government has announced the conversion of six polytechnics in the first phase of the exercise by September this year.
However those in the second phase are agitated and have described the decision as discriminatory.
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By: Obrempong Yaw Ampofo/citifmonline.com/Ghana