The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, on Wednesday, said the absence of a standard commission regulating the practice of polytechnics in the country has continued to endanger the sector.
The union, in a statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Itoro Ekanem, said it was reliably informed of the move by members of the House of Representatives to establish a dedicated commission to oversee the sector.
The union, while welcoming the move, said the establishment of the commission would, among other things, hasten the move to ensure that polytechnics also become degree-awarding institutions which will in turn curb discrimination against holders of diplomas from polytechnics.
“Indeed, the absence of a dedicated commission to concentrate on the proper regulation of polytechnics as one of the legs of the tertiary education tripod has for several years been seen as one of the posters of discrimination against Nigeria’s endangered polytechnic system as the other tiers of tertiary education in the country have dedicated commissions in the National Universities Commission and the National Commission for Colleges of Education for universities and colleges of education respectively,” the union said.
The union noted that while the National Board for Technical Education had put in commendable shifts in the direction of this mandate since 1977, “it continues to be challenged by the sheer numbers of institutions in its portfolio of institutions with the inclusion of other sub-tertiary and vocational training centres under its regulatory portfolio. The number of such institutions currently exceeds 600.
“It is therefore commendable that the House of Representatives views this bill by Hon. Igariwey and his colleagues as progressive and in furtherance of the need to ensure equity and appropriate fulfilment of the establishment mandates of polytechnics in the country.”
The bill for the establishment of the Polytechnic Commission, sponsored by Idu Igariwey representing Afikpo North and Afikpo South Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, has passed the second reading in the House of Representatives.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, A man of wide horizons and deep intentions". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
Download E-Magazine
