Review polytechnics syllabus to reflect on current trend-Rector

Takoradi, March 03, GNA - The Rector of Takoradi Polytechnic, Revere= nd Professor Daniel Agyapong Nyarko, has called for the review of the syllab= us of the country's polytechnics in order to impact positively on current market trends. He noted that the present syllabus, which was prepared in 1993, unde= r the National Board of Profession and Technical Examination (NBPTE) does n= ot address the new changes in the system, thus placing the students at a disadvantage.

He said the present proc urement laws as well as the technological changes are not captured in the syllabus, and mentioned for instance the teaching of the old method of Purchasing and Supply, which would not help=

students. The Rector made the call when he chaired the opening of a three day workshop on Students industrial practical attachment, held for 16 Vice Rectors and Industrial Liaison Officers, drawn from all the country's polytechnics. "With the emerging developments, we will be training students for th= e industry but they will not fit into the job", he regretted.

Following the assertion by some of the participants that students perform poorly at interviews, the Rector underscored the need for Student= s Representative Councils (SRC) in tertiary institutions to invest heavily in educative programmes to broaden the knowledge of students rather than spe= nd much time on entertainment such as beauty pageants.

The Rector entreated tutors to avail themselves of refresher courses= to be abreast with modern methods of teaching and incorporate them into thei= r lectures so that they do not feed students with old methods. Dr Nicholas Aidoo-Taylor, a former Rector of the Polytechnic, said there was the need to ensure strict supervision over students during practical industrial attachments, as it forms a greater part of the core training.