Technology: Delta State Poly Rector Decries Impact Of Reduced Polytechnics

Technology: Delta State Poly Rector Decries Impact Of Reduced Polytechnics

By Charity Uwakwe

As the world clamours for tech-driven society, the Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Bildr. Prof. Emmanuel Achuenu has bemoaned the mass conversion of Polytechnics to Universities, saying it has reduced drastically the number of Polytechnics and training institutions, as well as affected technological development in Nigeria.

Achuenu who said this, weekend, at his office, during the courtesy visit of members of Indigenous Correspondent Chapel, NUJ, Asaba, the capital of Delta State, described the Polytechnic as a focal point of technological education and growth, and the obvious enhancement of scientific innovations, while priding in the feat as attained by the institution in that regard.

Achuenu who also reiterated that Delta State Polytechnic remained one of the best learning and training Polytechnics in the country,
without mincing words, decried the mass movement, hence the abrupt deviation from the original aim of establishment by some Polytechnics.

Hear him: “Now one good thing that I want you to know, is Ogwashi-Uku Delta State polytechnic is one of the polytechnic in Nigeria, today many polytechnic are moving, from the polytechnic to the university, thereby depleting the number of Polytechnics and training institutions and technological development in Nigeria.”

He, however, hinted that, Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic might be nurturing the possibility of metamorphosing to a University, according to demands.

“But, the good news is that the movement that is taking place is an alarm, for us to understand the role of Polytechnics in the country; first of all we are all aspiring for technological development, for Scientific innovations and for growth and at the epicenter of such growth is the Polytechnic and Technological education so when others move for now we are there and what we are going to do is to establish our feet in the area if technology, and advancing the society.

“We are doing this with all vigour and continue to do it, although when it becomes necessary, no problem we will still move, when we move to that line, maybe we will move to University of technology because, at the point we will want to move us, you will discover that we are now grounded in technology”, he explained.

Builder Achuenu reiterated that asides the desires of the school to impact on the society technologically, his administration is poised to fast track the physical development of the polytechnic, saying, “but, the aspiration of this administration is to do one thing, to develop this polytechnic physically. When I came on board, we already had about five schools and we are about having school of Environmental Sciences”

On the issues impeding the efforts of his administration, the renowned educationist lamented that poor road network had posed a major challenge to the institution, but expressed optimism that a good access road would be provided in the shortest sketch of time.

“The access road has been a major challenge to us; we need an elaborate partnership to solve th

“This is what I want us to know. So, we are doing our best, as you can see the infrastructure in the community, the road infrastructure is the major problem we have, do you will not be able to see the extent we are developing. But, our prayer is that this will be sorted out and with you as our partners you will be able to showcase our needs where necessary. Many have come and made pledges and we’re still hoping.

Other impediments he outlined were; poor illumination of the school and its environs, lack of an administrative block and insecurity, as he regretted that the absence of a perimeter fencing had paved the way for intrusion of the dreaded Fulani herdsmen and their cattle.

Adding, he said: “All of us in conjunction with the government are working tirelessly towards that. And the present administration of Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa is a government with listening ears.”

Highlights of the visit was an inspection of various technological innovations as the Rector, alongside the management of the school embarked on a tour with the team of Journalists, to showcase the various mind blowing facilities provided by the school for the enhancement of knowledge and skills Acquisition.

Among those facilities were standard radio station, fashion display gallery – courtesy of Faculty of Fashion Design and Clothing Technology, Modern Solar Energy powered ICT centre, a Solar powered Engineering section, etc

Meanwhile, Famousreporters.com gathered that the school’s ICT which is adequately powered by Solar energy comprises over 500 functional Systems and is an accredited centre for Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, (JAMB).