Higher institutions without qualified teachers are mere centres for racketeering – Soludo
Education
By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has said that higher
institutions without qualified teachers are mere centres for certificate racketeering.
Soludo stated this during an assessment tour of the
State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu in Awka North Local Government Area of the State.
The governor said he had set up evaluative mechanisms to assess the requirements for full accreditation of the state Polytechnic.
He said the mechanisms was for “quick wins” capable of facilitating lasting progress that would set the institution on the path of competitiveness.
Addressing the students, staff and stakeholders of the Polytechnic, Soludo described schools as nothing more than places for certificate racketeering without qualified teachers.
He said, “We have a collective duty. It is a long way from where we stand, but we must first decide our destination.
“It is not enough to seek accreditation. But, accreditation to do what? Without qualified teachers schools are nothing more than places for certificate racketeering.
“People come to me to say they want to set up higher institutions, and I ask them, where would you get the lecturers from? Do you have the resources to attract and retain the best?”
“It is not just about accreditation but the quality of the output which can only be guaranteed by sound lecturers.
“To kickstart this transformative journey, I have set up evaluative mechanisms to assess the requirements for quick wins and facilitate lasting progress that will set the institution on the path of competitiveness.
“It is crucial we carve out a unique identity for this institution, building a strong reputation that distinguishes us from others.
“The worth of an institution’s name is as good as the number of adequate quality lecturers and the learning facilities at its disposal. That even becomes the veritable bases for demanding accreditation.”
The Acting Rector of the Polytechnic; Dr.(Mrs.) Njideka Chiekezie, while appreciating the governor for the visit, had requested for accreditation of the institution.
The governor, had before arriving the institution, made intermittent stops along Okpuno-Isuaniocha- Mgbakwu Road to interact and acknowledge cheers from excited locals hailing him for bringing democracy dividends their way.
