Conversion of polytechnics into universities get presidential assent

The bill to convert six out of 10 polytechnics into fully fledged Technical Universities has finally received a presidential assent.

Deputy Minister in Charge of Tertiary Education, Samuel Okudzeto who disclosed this on Accra-based Asempa Fm, said it will help make university education accessible to thousands of Senior High School (SHS) graduates.

Accra, Kumasi, Koforidua, Ho, Takoradi and Sunyani polytechnics are the first 6 to be converted into universities which give them the power to offer various degree programmes starting September 2016.

They will operate under the technical university system.

Chief Administrators of the polytechnics addressed as Rectors, will now be referred to as Vice Chancellors. They will have to ensure that their schools do not deviate from what makes them unique from the mainstream universities.

The polytechnic universities are to train the next industrial human resources for the nation.

The decision to convert the six schools came with challenges as government was accused of masterminding the elimination of the Cape Coast Polytechnic.

Some educationists including the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ernest Aryeetey discredited the move arguing the change of name is the usual window dressing of the challenges in the education sector.