More Science students needed for Polytechnics

Sumbrungu (U.E), Nov. 29, GNA - Mr John Bosco Azigwe, Acting Rector of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic, has called for an integrated approach to reve= rse the trend of low enrolment of Science and Engineering students in the polytechnics. This would ensure the proper development of human capital of the nat= ion towards sustainable socio-economic progress. Mr Azigwe said this at the Polytechnic's eighth Matriculation ceremo= ny where 155 women and 348 men were sworn in to pursue various programmes. He said out of the total of 503 students, 154 representing 30 per ce= nt enrolled for Engineering and the Sciences, which was the focus of polytechnic education in the country. He assured the public of the polytechnic's mandate to produce qualit= y and career focused students who would be responsive to the needs and dema= nds of employers and professional bodies.

He advised the students to take discipline and quality assurance, wh= ich were the Polytechnic's guiding principles for academic work as their watc= h words and not allow the reason for which they were in the school be marre= d. "Management is determined to provide leadership and enabling environment for effective teaching and learning," he assured the students= .. He said to ensure smooth academic work a contract had been awarded f= or the supply of 50 computers for the computer laboratory, teaching aids, 40= 0 chairs and desks for use in the lecture halls.

Mr Azigwe announced the introduction of the Higher National Diploma=

(HND) Procurement and Logistics programme to help address the ever increasing demand for professionals in the procurement industry. He said procurement accounted for about 70 per cent of the Governmen= t's expenditure hence the promulgation of Public Procurement Act 2003; 663 th= at coordinated and supervised government and public agency procurement.

Mr Robert Ajene, a retired educationist, who reviewed the reason for the establishment of the institution advised students not to only think of th= e certificates they would obtain on completion of their courses but also th= e services they would render, as middle level professionals, to the country= .. While warning the students against examination malpractices, he sent= a strong caution to those bearing fake results to begin advising themselves=

before they were found out and given the sack. 29 Nov. 10