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Lecturers of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic, have heavily criticised government for its failure to include the school in the recent conversion of polytechnics into technical universities, describing the decision as a belated attempt to degrade the institution.

Speaking at a news conference in Bolgatanga of the Upper East Region, the Chairperson of the Bolgatanga branch of the Polytechnic Teachers' Association of Ghana, POTAG, Mrs. Florence Manamzor, says she is surprised that the government has refused to include the school in the first phase of the elevation of polytechnics into Technical Universities based on the mere fact that the school has limited infrastructure.

She, therefore, calls on government to rescind the decision or risk facing the wrath of teachers and students of the school.
She said there was the need for government to assess the school based on its academic performance and staff strength but not infrastructure, adding the decision taken by the government to exclude the school was nothing short of discrimination.

"The evaluation report on the Bolgatanga Polytechnic revealed that the school was better than other polytechnics, including those considered to be converted in September 2016 in terms of the calibre of staff, academic performance, courses being offered, among others. So, where lies the fact that the school is not qualified to be upgraded into a technical university?", Mrs. Manamzor asked.

She vowed that lecturers of the polytechnic, would continue to push government to take a second look at its verdict since they were committed to the cause of the school.

She emphasised that, she was disappointed at the Technical report that the polytechnic did not have any affiliation with industry and other institutions, describing it as a blatant falsehood peddled by the Technical Committee with intent to relegate the school to the background.

She added that, "it was also reported by the Technical Committee that the school did not have fully equipped laboratories and workshops, but to me, I think it is the responsibility of the government to provide these facilities as the polytechnic does not have enough resources to do that".

The Students' Representative Council, SRC President of the school, Abdul- Rahaman Asabea, also expressed disgust over the issue, saying he feared many prospective tertiary students would turn down admissions into the school.