8TH Matriculation of Bolgatanga Polytechnic

Narration: The Acting Rector of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic, John Bosco Azigwe, says for the country to produce the requisite human capital for development, efforts must be made by the country’s institutions in ensuring more enrolment in the sciences and engineering, which according to him is the focus of polytechnic education. This, he, said can be done by adopting an integrated strategy approach and called for the involvement of all stakeholders in the educational sector. Mr. Azigwe made the observation on the occasion of the 8th Matriculation ceremony held at Bolgatanga. Correspondent Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has come through with this report
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The Reforms to the Tertiary Education system in 1993, suggested the accessibility of polytechnic education throughout the country for which regionally based polytechnics were to be established. The Bolgatanga Polytechnic was therefore established in 1999 and started operations in the year 2001. Its establishment was to fulfill the mandate of delivering quality Higher National Diploma (HND) products that are career –focused, hands-on to problem solving and responsive to the needs and demands of society, employers and professional bodies. The institution since its inception has been working closely with its collaborators to fulfil the mandate. In achieving the set objective, the school through the efforts of its governing Council, is collaborating with the Ghana Embassy in Burkina Faso and some universities in that country for exchange programs for staff and students. Students from the francophone countries will enroll for proficiency in English and would be admitted to offer HND programs after they have gained proficiency in the language. The Acting Rector of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic, Mr. John Bosco Azigwe, was happy about the development of the institute which he noted would grow from strength to strength if he is given the needed cooperation and support by staff and students. Mr. Azigwe implored students to desist from examination malpractices and stick to discipline and quality assurance which he said form the general principle guiding academic work in the polytechnic. Mr. Azigwe outlined the provision academic facilities for the school and urged students to make good use of such facilities when provided. The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Harry Epson Ayamga, in a speech read for him reaffirmed government’s commitment to the development of Polytechnic education in the country. This he stated has become necessary due to the emergence of the country’s oil exploration. He mentioned discipline and hardwork as the hallmark for academic achievement and called on students to strive to attain more academic potentials. A founding member of the Polytechnic and a retired educationist, Mr. Robert Ajene, said obtaining a degree do not necessary makes one a product of an institution but what one can do to help contribute to the country’s middle level manpower development. Mr. Ajene therefore urged the students to study hard in order to achieve their career objectives since their knowledge and skills would go along way to solving numerous community based problems. The school’s Registrar, Mr. Ibrahim Yakubu, administered the matriculation oath of matriculants admitted to pursue programs in applied arts and Sciences, engineering and business. In all 503 fresh students made up of 348 males and 155 females took part in the ceremony. The President of the school’s SRC warn students against all acts of indiscipline adding that his outfit would not support any act that would bring the name of the institution into disrepute
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