Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu (ANSPOLY) said it needed funds to gain accreditation for its Higher National Diploma (HND) programs to mobilize graduates for the National Youth Service Body (NYSC).
Dr. Njideka Chiekezie, deputy rector of the institution, made the case during the defense of the ongoing 2022 revised budget before the state House of Assembly Finance and Appropriations Committee in Awka on Friday.
Chiekezie said, “Our HND graduates are not mobilized for NYSC because our HND programs are not accredited. I’m not happy that our students are graduating without going to NYSC.
“But that’s not my fabrication. If there’s anything I can do as a person to make sure these students go to NYSC, I’ll do it.
“All we need is accreditation to reposition the institution. If a program is not accredited, students from that program cannot be mobilized for NYSC.
“And we need funds to get that accreditation. If our programs are accredited, this problem will be solved,” she said.
The vice-rector also listed upgrading of infrastructure, adequate number of staff and regularization of staff appointments, as other requirements for obtaining accreditation.
She called on the state government, legislature and Ministry of Education to address the plight of the institution.
Earlier, Mr Smart Okafor, the lawmaker representing Nnewi North Constituency, said students had complained about
non-accreditation of their courses.
“Some students said they graduated three years ago, but until now they haven’t received their certificate yet.
“Others, who got theirs, said they couldn’t do anything about it because they were told the certificates weren’t valid.
“It is worrying that an institution like this owned by the state government is issuing invalid certificates to graduates. Something has to be done.
“As the principal of the school, do not cross your hands and watch the institution die. Let it be recorded that you have obtained this accreditation,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Noble Igwe, a lawmaker representing Ogbaru l Constituency, said it was embarrassing that students were graduating without valid certificates and standing up for the NYSC.
“This polytechnic school needs help. We therefore advise the school management to write to the governor and to the supervisory ministry, which is the Ministry of Education.
“List your challenges and credentialing requirements and meet with the commissioner to make your case so something can be done to address the issues at the facility.
“We will visit the school according to the supervision to carry out an on-site inspection and understand how to help the institution develop.”
The Nigeria News Agency reports that the institution was previously Anambra State College of Agriculture, founded in 1992 and upgraded to a polytechnic in January 2017.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Comments are closed.