Poly conversion: Tamale, Cape to know fate soon

Government is to decide on whether to convert the Tamale and Cape Coast polytechnics into technical universities upon the completion of a reassessment.

The absence of the two polytechnics from the list of polytechnics recommended by the Presidential Commission to be converted to technical universities sparked outrage from alumni of both schools.

Speaking on behalf of Education Minister Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang at the 10th congregation of the Tamale Polytechnic Saturday May 28, Executive Secretary of the National Council for Tertiary Education, Professor Mohammed Salifu, said government was working assiduously to complete the conversion process.

“Strenuous efforts are being made to ensure that the first batch considered conversion-ready will get initiated by the beginning of the next academic year. Six out of the 10 polytechnics had initially been selected to make the first batch. Subsequently two more, namely: Cape Coast and Tamale Polytechnics have been reassessed for consideration”, he told the audience.

Prof Slaifu added that: “The outcome of the reassessment process has been reviewed by the technical committee of the National Council for Tertiary Education and appropriate recommendations have been made to government”, adding that “it is my hope that whatever the decision that finally emerges for the two polytechnics the decision will be taken in good faith”.