Mary Donatus (Correspondent Bauchi)
The outgoing Rector of Federal Polythecnic Bauchi, Engineer Shuaibu Musa, has tasked the Federal Governemnt on the need for the restructuring of the polytechnic sector to make it more qualitative and efficient.
Engr Musa gave the charge while speaking at the handing over ceremony held at the Council Chamber of Federal Polythecnic Bauchi on Friday.
He said “despite the fact that polytechnic education has been recognized as the producer of the required technical manpower that drives the competency based economic activities of the nation, it has not enjoyed the commensurate support it deserves. There is a need for the restructuring of the polytechnic sector to make it more qualitative and efficient.
“The National Board for Technical Education, the body charged with the responsibility of regulating the sector is overburdened, given that it has to superintend over 600 institutions across the country. The time has come for the institutional arrangement to be reviewed,” he urged.
Eng Musa also called for massive funding for the provision of heavy equipment and tools needed for the hands-on training in polytechnics.
He said, “A coordinated resuscitation of the manufacturing industries would bring back the glory to technical manpower, and may reduce or even eliminate the effect of the current dichotomy the polytechnic graduates are facing and further improve their societal image, which is currently low.
“Given that world economies are increasingly becoming more ‘knowledge based’, it will be worthwhile for the Nigerian polytechnic education sector to be liberalized and be given room to award degrees and higher qualifications, so as to accelerate the attainment of the goals and objectives of the national Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the current administration.
On the challenges facing Federal Polythecnic Bauchi, Eng Musa said “one can easily identify the inadequacy of funds as a notable challenge. The low internal revenue generation capacity of the institutions and the Federal Government meager allocation of recurrent costs have dampened the rate of growth in the Polytechnic.
“The Policy of outsourcing essential welfare services such as Security and Cleaning Services and the devolution of payment of some personnel costs, such as academic allowances, from the internally generated revenue of institutions has further compounded the challenge. There is a need for review of these policies, in order to reduce industrial disharmony and accelerate the rate growth at the institutional levels.
The outgoing Rector thereby appreciates the cooperation and support accorded to him by the staff of the institution during his 8 years tenure “i urge you to please improve and sustain tempo, for posterity”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institution, Abubakar Dantata who was represented by Hashiru Abubakar commended the outgoing Rector the numerous achievements recorded in the institution in the last 8 years wishing him success in his future endeavor.
Speaking, the new Acting Rector, Arc Sanusi Waziri Gumau solicits for support and assistance of the staff of the institution to enable him succeed.
He said “we must all work together for the success of this institution. I want to appeal to you not to capitalize on my weakness but checkmate and advise me always. This polythecnic is for all of us, so we must work together for the development of our institution.
He cautioned against rumor mongering among the staff charging them to always verify all issues for better understanding.
Gumau thereby commended the outgoing rector for his support as well as carrying all members of staff along in the last 8 years.