Heads of the various yet-to-be-approved technical universities should be called ‘rectors’ to differentiate them from heads of traditional universities, the Ministry of Education has suggested to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education.
During the committee’s deliberations on the Technical Universities Bill, which when approved, will give legal backing to the conversion of all polytechnics that meet the requirements into technical universities, the ministry explained that it was important to maintain the term ‘rector’ to give the technical universities a unique identity.
But the committee, in a report jointly signed by Mathias A. Puozaa and Ms Janet Frimpong, Chairman and Clerk, respectively, stated that since almost all heads of traditional universities were referred to as vice chancellors, it would be appropriate to adopt the same title for the heads of the technical universities.
This, the committee observed, was fundamental to rebranding and improving the public image of technical universities and giving them as much esteem as enjoyed by the traditional public universities.
However, the ministry was stronger on its point that the heads of the technical universities should be known as rectors to give them a unique identity.
The committee, therefore, recommended to the house to adopt the report of the select committee on education on the technical universities bill, 2016.
The six polytechnics earmarked for conversion into technical universities – Accra, Ho, Koforidua, Kumasi, Sunyani and Takoradi – have all met the eligibility criteria for the upgrade, the committee said.
The committee explained that in order for a polytechnic to qualify for the conversion, it had to meet certain criteria including institutional standing, academic staff requirements, and evidence of collaboration with industry and employers in the delivery of accredited programmes, which all selected polytechnics met.
The committee noted that the remaining four polytechnics that did not meet the requirements were being assisted by the government to get to that standard in order to make their conversion possible.
The conversion forms an integral part of President Mahama’s government’s agenda to transform the socio-economic fortunes of the country. Earlier this year, he had said current demands of the job market, especially by businesses and industries, required technical and skilled personnel, and no longer education by grammar and rote.
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
