The Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola, has called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of necessity, convert most of the polytechnics to universities of technology.
Babalola, who blamed the government for alleged insensitivity to the technological needs of the country, which he said the polytechnics should be positioned for, advocated improved funding for the polytechnics.
The ABUAD founder, speaking in Ado-Ekiti on Friday during a visit by the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Dr Temitope Alake, to his office, said, “For instance, it is wrong of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to lower admission requirement into polytechnics below 160 i.e. 40 per cent of its score, while the average for universities stands at 180 i.e. 45 per cent for less rigorous courses.
“Does that mean that JAMB is reserving only mediocre candidates for the polytechnics? If government is really serious about technological education, only the very bright and the best should be admitted to study in polytechnics.
“Most of the polytechnics in the country should be speedily converted to universities of technology. The Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, is among such that deserve university status.”
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