The Ho polytechnic has initiated arrangements with a private multinational company, SAAZO Ghana ltd to provide residential accommodation for both students and staff of the Polytechnic through a Public-Private-Partnership. The arrangements when finalised will see construction of a 2000-capacity hotels which includes sports and recreational facilities as well as a two 5-storey, 20 flat 3-bedroom residential blocks for staff. Dr. Victor J.K Afun, rector of the polytechnic who disclosed this at its 14th congregation ceremony held last Saturday, noted that students and staff accommodation has been a major challenge for the polytechnic which has only two halls of residence for over 5000 students. A situation he said has forced most students to live in rented accommodations with very poor and unhygienic facilities.
He further disclosed that the facilities which will be on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis, when completed will go a long way to alleviate the accommodation plight of the polytechnic.
The rector again noted that plans are far advanced to begin the construction of a 5-storey lecture block for the Faculty of Engineering to be financed through the polytechnic’s internally generated funds (IGF).
The Minister of finance Mr. Seth Terkper, who is an alumnus and the guest speaker in an address read on his behalf, lauded the initiatives of the polytechnic and asked government representatives on the governing councils to complement government efforts by looking for investors both within and outside the shores to support polytechnic education.
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| Cross section of Faculty and graduands |
Mr. Terkper noted that government values the importance of polytechnic education to the growth and development of the economy; hence it will continue to provide facilities to ensure that training well-skilled manpower for the economic development of the nation.
He further noted that government is on course with conversion of polytechnics into technical universities and stated that the ministerial committee on conversion has submitted an interim report to the minister and a group of experts are also on working visit to Germany to study their system of technical universities.
Professor Anthony Afeke Adimado, Chairman of the Governing Council said the Polytechnic has beefed up capacities in readiness for the conversion of polytechnics into technical universities. He said the programme of conversion required that administrators and faculties embrace creativity and innovation, commit to excellence in teaching and research, and forge stronger links with industry and scientific institutions across the world.
Prof Adimado said Ho Polytechnic had held several seminars and workshops for staff on responsibilities that may arise in anticipation of the conversion in order to ensure a smooth transition.
We have also equipped our faculties and departments to take advantage of opportunities that the conversion would bring, he stated.
A total of 1,120 students graduated at this year’s congregation, with 30 graduands receiving Bachelor of Technology (B-TECH) degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management as well as Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering, whilst the rest received Higher National Diplomas (HND).
The over-all best student award sponsored by the Alumni Association, was won by Adegbile Babatunde Toib, an HND Accountancy student.
