By Luchee Igwe
The leadership of the Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu (ANSPOLY) has appealed to the state government to dole out funds for accreditation of its Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes so as to mobilise graduates for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Dr Njideka Chiekezie, the newly appointed head of the institution made the plea at the ongoing 2022 Revised Budget defence before the state House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, on Friday, in Awka.
Chiekezie blamed paucity of funds for inability of the institution to secure HND accreditation which would have allowed graduates of the school to participate in the mandatory one year national service.
She said: “Our HND graduates are not mobilised for NYSC because our HND programmes are not accredited. I’m not happy that our students are graduating without going for NYSC
“But it is not my making. If there is anything I can do as a person to ensure this students go for NYSC, I will do it.
“All we need is accreditation to reposition the institution. If a programme is not accredited, the students in that programme cannot be mobilised for NYSC.
“And we need funding to get this accreditation. If our programme are accredited, this problem will be solve.”
Dr Chiekezi also listed infrastructure upgrade, adequate number of staff and regularisation of appointments of staff, as other requirements for getting accreditation.
She appealed to the state government, the legislature and the ministry of education to look into the plight of the institution.
Earlier, Mr Smart Okafor, lawmaker representing Nnewi North Constituency, said there had been complaints from students about
non-accreditation of their courses.
“Some students said they graduated since three years ago but till now, they were yet to be issued their Certificates.
“Others who got theirs, said they could not do anything with them, as they were told that the certificates are invalid.
“It is worrisome that an institution like this owned by the state government would be issuing invalid certificates to graduates. Something needs to be done
“As the school management, do not fold your hands and watch the institution die. Let it be on record that you achieved this accreditation, “he said.
Also speaking, Mr Noble Igwe, lawmaker representing Ogbaru Constituency l, said it was embarrassing that students graduated with no valid certificates and mobilisation for NYSC.
“That polytechnic needs help. So, we are advising the school management to write the governor and the supervising ministry which is Ministry of Education.
“List your challenges and requirements for accreditation and meet with the Commissioner to plead your case so that something can be done to address the problems of the institution.
“We will visit the school on oversight function to carry out an on the spot inspection and understand how to help the institution grow.
The institution was formerly Anambra State College of Agriculture, founded in 1992 and upgraded to polytechnic in January 2017.
