THE Chairman of the Governing Council of the Tamale Polytechnic, Dr Sulley Gariba, has urged polytechnics to make their programmes and activities relevant to the needs of the communities in which they operate.
He also suggested that the authorities initiate an annual survey of community perceptions and expectations of the polytechnic to assess their performance which, he said, could guide them to achieve excellence in the administration of the institution.
“Our mission can only be achieved, if we build a strong bond with our community. We need to form partnerships and make sure that the polytechnic becomes community-driven,” the chairman further indicated.
Dr Gariba, who was speaking at the inauguration of the council in Tamale, also proposed that local contractors at the polytechnic engaged the services of students for both practical experience and financial benefits.
The 10-member council, that has been offered a three-year mandate, took their oaths of office in Accra.
Dr Gariba noted that even though the polytechnic, under the leadership of the rector, Dr Alhaji Yakubu Seidu Peligah, had already designed a strategic plan, “there will be an enhanced strategic plan to enable the new council and the Tamale Poly to set realistic plans for the coming years”.
The chairman also outlined the vision of the council to include ensuring unity of purpose, transparency and commitment to their tasks.
He emphasised the need for unity among all stakeholders and that “by advocating the unity of purpose, I am not saying you should not have your differences, but when it comes to your job, there must be unity of purpose, it is not an option, it is part of your job requirement.”
Dr Peligah, on his part, said the polytechnic, with a student population of over 6,000, could be classified as a large institution in the country.
He added that it was the only polytechnic that ran a dual-system of the traditional technical institute and tertiary courses.
He, however, said the two tier-system had now been decoupled with the appointment of vice-rectors for both the technical and tertiary divisions.
“We now have adequate qualified staff and have also put in place structures such as a central admissions board and quality assurance office to ensure academic excellence,” Dr Peligah indicated.
The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Moses Mabengba, described members of the council as knowledgeable and experienced in their respective professions and therefore called on both staff and students to offer them the necessary support to deliver.
No comments:
Post a Comment