Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, has challenged the Koforidua Polytechnic to introduce courses that would make the institution more relevant to the region.
He said between 65 to 75 per cent of the population of the Eastern Region are directly or indirectly engaged in farming and agro-based business hence the need for the institute to link its curriculum with the popular choices.
Mr. Ampofo who was speaking at the 14th matriculation of the Koforidua Polytechnic at Koforidua at the weekend, said the huge Volta Lake which stretches across the Afram Plains, Fanteakwa, Asuogyaman, Yilo and Manya Krobo Districts, in addition to other sources of water and the large tracts of arable land around were too visible to be ignored by any institution set up to enhance the development of the region.
In all, 1, 679 new students were registered by the polytechnic this year as against 1,800 students enrolled last year.
He also asked the Polytechnic to research into the widespread waste management problems adding that, the solution to the economic development problems of the country lies to a large extend in the hands of the polytechnics.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. George Afrane, said this year, 2781 students applied to pursue the Higher National Diploma(HND) programmes as compared to 2, 029 that applied last year of which 1,555 applicants were offered admission as compared to 1,757 last year.
Dr. Afrane announced that the institute was able to start its Long Vacation Modular Programmes during the long vacation with 60 students and explained that, the modular programme was introduced to increase access to tertiary education by full-time workers.
He said the image of polytechnics was fast improving due in part to the commitment of staff and students to resolving their differences through dialogue.
He asked them to be law abiding and commit themselves to the acquisition of knowledge.
Dr. Afrane reminded them that any disruption in the academic calendar would be damaging and that students would suffer most as a result.
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