K-Poly ICT Lab is out of order

A number of computers at the Information Technology Communication (ICT) Laboratory of the Kumasi Polytechnic (K-Poly) are reportedly out of order, which situation has compelled some lecturers to abandon practical lessons, The Chronicle has gathered.

About GH¢800,000 is collected from the over 10,000 student population, including first year students, and have been denied access to practical tutorials following the malfunction of the computers at the ICT lab, leaving the lecturers no option than to subject the students to only theoretical training in the subject.

The students are also charged GH¢15 for fuel to power generators, but the school is plunged into total darkness whenever there is power outage, which has become a common feature. Supply from the generator is cut off at 9:30 p.m. to conserve power.

Academic programmes are affected, as students have a field day when there is power fluctuation in the school, since the labs have no standby power sources.

The Chronicle has also gathered that lecturers and employees of K-Poly are fuming about the delay in the implementation of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) for the past four years from administrative lapses, which the Rector debunked, saying all government institutions are hooked on the SSSS, in line with government directives

In a telephone interaction with the Rector of K-Poly, Professor N. N. N. Nsowah, he admitted that some computers are not functioning, but plans are far advanced to procure new ones, and that the school will advertise in the dailies for interested entities to tender in their bids.

Prof Nsowah stated that the school spends a whopping GH¢40,000 on fuel monthly to power the plant in an effort to address the power crisis on campus.

He said the administration has also had to extend power supply from the plant to the multi-purpose building.

Prof. Nsowah also defended the school paying a monthly bill of GH¢37,000 on internet connectivity, to explain the charge of GH¢15 on each student.