Govt would not dictate Polytechnic grading system - Minister

Professor Christopher Ameyaw Ekumfi, Minister of Education, on Thursday said the government intends not to dictate what should be the grading systems of the country's Polytechnics.

"The ministry remains convinced that the Polytechnics and their academic boards must be allowed to perform their proper roles of setting standards and grading systems in the polytechnics."

Prof. Ameyaw Akumfi, who was addressing Parliament on the Ministry's response to the Polytechnic issue, said Wednesday's demonstration was uncalled for, as efforts were being made to address the matter. "Even though the students have raised a number of issues, the grading system remains central to the current debate."

He said:" What we are witnessing is a replay of the University of Cape Coast episode. Government did not ask for suspension of the system. The students sat down and articulated the concerns, which were then discussed with their authorities."

The Minister said though issues like job placement, infrastructural development and academic progression are legitimate, more resources and medium to long-term planning would be needed to solve them. On academic progression, he said the answer lies within the Polytechnic system.

Prof. Ameyaw Akumfi said, "Polytechnics have been prevailed upon to indicate their readiness to run Bachelor (Tech) programmes. In assessing institutions for the suitability to run programmes, The National Accreditation Board (NAB) will evaluate staffing situation, infrastructure etcetera."

He said serious efforts are being made to improve on the infrastructure of all the country's Polytechnic. Prof. Ameyaw Akumfi said the educational review underway is to place emphasis on the technical and vocational education.

He said a master plan on this has been developed and turned over to the review team. "Quick answers may not be found to a number of the issues raised. Demonstrations certainly do not provide solutions."

Mr. Kosi Kedem, Minority Spokesman on Education, condemned the way the police handled the demonstrating students and appealed to the students to return to the classroom while they seek other forms of settlement.

He said the NDC is not sympathising with the students to gain political point, but rather sticking to principles, since " we know by now that students do not have permanent friends but permanent interest."

Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor, Minister of Defence, called for a clear definition of the High National Diploma and asked that post-graduate facilities be made available to Polytechnic students who have other academic inclinations.