Students advised against high life

Takoradi Jan. 14, GNA - Dr Samuel Obeng Apori, Principal of Takoradi Polytechnic on Friday advised students against giving in to peer pressure to live above their means.

He gave the advice at the Polytechnic's 13th Matriculation ceremony at which 1,377 students were matriculated for the 2004/2005 academic years at Takoradi.

Dr Apori said, "Do not allow peer pressure to force you to adopt lifestyles, which are inconsistent with your current economic status". He urged the students not to resort to the use of force in the resolution of differences among themselves and with the management and academic staff of the Polytechnic.

Dr Apori further advised them "To desist from the use of hard drugs as this will not help you in your academic pursuit". He added, "It will be appropriate to fail your examinations honourably than resort to examinations malpractices, which shall lead to your dismissal from the Polytechnic".

Dr Apori said gone were the days when students hid under technicalities to stay at Polytechnics for more than three years. He said academic standards at the Polytechnic would be strictly upheld and applied.

Dr Apori said the grade point average for each student will be calculated at the end of each academic year and those who fall below the accepted minimum will be withdrawn.

He said 23 per cent of the matriculated were admitted to Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in Commercial Art and this is an indication of the uniqueness of the programme in Polytechnics in the country.