Cape Coast Polytechnic has signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with leading tertiary institutions for the introduction of some post graduate and degree programmes in the institution.

The Polytechnic signed the MOU with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the Takoradi and Ho Polytechnics, for the introduction of Master of Technology (M.Tech) programmes in Construction Technology and Civil Engineering.

The Polytechnic has also signed another MOU with Kumasi Polytechnic to run B.Tech in Accounting and computing.

Dr Lawrence Atepor, Rector of the Cape Coast Polytechnic said this at the 10th congregation of the Polytechnic on Saturday, where 1,233 students were presented with Bachelor of Technology degrees, Higher National Diploma (HND) and Executive Certificate in Banking Operations.

They formed the 2010, 2011 and 2012 year groups of which 116 received Bachelor of Technology degrees; 1,020 awarded Higher National Diploma and 98 received Executive Certificates in Banking Operation.

Dr Atepor said the Polytechnic has also signed an MOU with Korsika Energy Research and Services Limited to provide training in process automation, programmable logic controller (PLC) programming and National Instruments Products for students.

He said the Polytechnic has also in collaboration with National Board for Professional and Technician Examination (NABPTEX), introduced diploma programmes in Computerized Accounting, Banking Technology and Business Administration.

“Management believes in equipping students with multi-sectoral training in order to make them more competitive on the job market”, he said; adding that the Department of Liberal Studies in collaboration with the University of Education- Winneba, has introduced a one-year course in Diploma in Education.

Dr Atepor said a number of directorates have also been established in order to expand its income generation base and increase access to programmes; he commended Government for the support the Polytechnic has received for infrastructural development over the years.

The Rector announced that the Department of Tourism has received the first tranche of Skills Development Fund (SDF) allocation to establish a Ticketing and Reservation Centre, to provide ticketing services as well as training for those in the hospitality industry.

He urged the graduands to eschew all negative practices, especially the inordinate desire for money, saying they should never be so obsessive to be rich within a short time to the neglect of their health.

Dr Atepor also urged them to arrange to settle their indebtedness to the Students Loan Trust Fund for others to benefit and endeavour to join alumni associations.

Mrs Emilia Aning, Chairman of the Polytechnic Council, underscored the important role of polytechnic education in national development as it trains the needed middle-level manpower for industry and commerce.

She, however, noted with concern that industry for which the polytechnic students were groomed has in recent times complained about the difference between competence and theory, adding that, efforts were being made to collaborate with the industry in order to align the polytechnic curriculum with its needs.