IMO POLY AND
THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL
The
last time I checked, there was an ongoing move by the government of Imo State
to transform the state’s revered Polytechnic – precisely situated at Umuagwo in
Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Council – to a degree awarding citadel of
learning. The intention was solely occasioned by the present administration’s
perception that the ancient institution deserves to be given a lift in all
ramifications.
If
one says a lift well-deserved, he might not be mistaken. In other words, if
someone happens to state that the government’s move is commendable, his opinion
shouldn’t be seen as irrational. It suffices to say that the ongoing proposal
by the Rescue Mission administration was well calculated, thus deserve
applause. One good reason it ought to be tagged a ‘welcome development’ is
owing to the obvious fact that Imo State is obviously yearning for additional
universities, because more thousands of people from the state are, on a yearly
basis, preoccupied with the quest to secure admission in a university.
However, it’s imperative to acknowledge that a
step might be right but not in the right direction. Though the aim of the Chief
Rochas Okorocha-led administration may be genuine and ‘laudable’, it’s pertinent
to take some facts into consideration for the interest of education and the
state in general. The about-to-be stated observations must be considered
closely if the paramount goal of the said move is for the betterment of the
Eastern Heartland.
It would be recalled that the citadel of
learning in question was initially ran as a monotechnic for agricultural
studies – then it was known as College of Agriculture – before it was
transformed to a polytechnic by the immediate past administration led by Chief
Ikedi Ohakim. When it was a monotechnic, it performed tremendously well in the
area of agricultural productions and processing that everyone could attest to.
It’s mind-boggling that one would hardly
locate a monotechnic in most quarters across the country. A monotechnic enables
specialization, thus encourages division of labour, which invariably leads to
greater productivity. But due to the quest to earn more income via the
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) scheme, every government would want to
introduce more departments to an existing monotechnic, which can only be
possible by transforming it to a polytechnic. It is the same quest that usually
warrants transformation from a polytechnic to a university.
But that of Imo state is relatively different
because the state is apparently the only place across the federation where
education is free ranging from nursery, primary, secondary to tertiary level.
This implies that why the government intends to transform the polytechnic is ostensibly
as a result of the compelling need for the state to boast of more functional
universities coupled with other related reasons.
Whatever the actual aim might be, we need to
note that polytechnic was invented for a particular purpose. The basic
objective that informed the introduction of polytechnic education into the
educational system was not unconnected with the rising need to have a platform
that would technically impart academic knowledge to its teeming seekers. It’s
pathetic that lately this very purpose had been abused in various quarters, not
just in Nigeria but across the African continent. This is why currently in the
labour market, holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate are often discriminated
by employers of labour.
Polytechnic
was designed to go straight to the point when it calls for impaction of
knowledge, technically, compared to the mode of operation of conventional
universities. Hence, those calling for polytechnics to be scrapped, or elevated
to degree awarding institutions, need to reexamine the reason behind the call.
Rather than soliciting for such change, we ought to be more concerned about how
to address the ongoing uncalled dichotomy between degree and HND certificates
in the labour market. Any HND holder that’s employed in any establishment
should commence with Grade Level eight, just as the degree holders are entitled
to. Ending the lingering impasse is the only way to address the anomaly, and
not to outrightly scrap polytechnics that’s on cause.
If
the Imo government eventually succeeds in transforming the Imo State
Polytechnic, that would create a scenario where the state would no longer boast
of any polytechnic; such circumstance wouldn’t unequivocally augur well for any
society that truly means well for education, and Imo is not an exception. So,
it’s either the government jettison the move, or consider establishing another
polytechnic for replacement without much ado. The latter would be very
difficult, because we are not unaware of the economic challenges currently
faced not just by the state but the country at large. In view of this, I
suggest we keep this proposal pending till further notice.
Let it not be that I’m against development,
but the fact remains that if any targeted meaningful development is channeled
inaptly, it may end up generating crisis instead of the intended positive
change. To this end, I’m earnestly and humbly appealing to the amiable governor
to take a second look at the move. I know his paramount interest is to ensure
that every Imolite acquires education with ease, but he equally needs to
consider what becomes the fate of the state, education wise, if the anticipated
‘feat’ is actualized.
As much as I wish him well and good
luck in all his lofty endeavours toward transforming the state, I would want
His Excellency to sit down and properly digest this piece that candidly means
well for Imolites and the state at large. The piece is only advocating that the
needful should be done at all times, and at the right time. Think about it!
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