Don advocates inclusion of private tertiary institutions in TETFund
. As Ihechukwu Madubuike poly gets NBTE accreditation
By Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A Senior Lecturer at the Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwanna, Dr JKJ Okoronkwo, has strongly advocated the inclusion of private tertiary institutions as beneficiaries of TETFund.
Dr Okoronkwo who made the advocacy in his speech as the Chairman and Guest Speaker at the 3rd Matriculation ceremony of Ihechukwu Madubuike Institute of Technology, Isuochi, Abia State, argued that the pivotal role of private institutions in the development of the education sector, had made such inclusion compelling.
He further argued that since private tertiary institutions “are approved and licenced by the same Federal Government, procure students through the same examining bodies such as JAMB, and churn out graduands who serve in the same government body, the NYSC, and are employable in the same job market”, TETFund should not shut its doors against them.
Dr Okoronkwo urged the Management of TETFund to complement the commendable efforts of various private schools in the country as a mark of appreciation to their contributions towards nation building.
He also commended the Founder of IMIT, and former Minister for Education, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, for his patriotism and foresightedness in establishing the institution to help bridge the high demand for admission into tertiary institutions in the South East.
The Don particularly commended the former Minister for the bias of the institution for technology which he regretted had not been given adequate attention in the country.
In his address, the Rector, Dr Benjamin Ezeali, re-stated the readiness of the institution to make quality education available and affordable to the public.
He noted that the institution which began operations in January 2021, had already produced its first batch of National Diploma graduands due to commence their Higher National Diploma (HND) programme this academic session.
The Rector disclosed that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), had granted full accreditation to the institutions programmes including Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Electrical/ Electronic Engineering Technology, among others.
Charging the new students on good conducts, the Rector reminded them that “the Management of the Institution has zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing and other vices”.
In his message, the Founder, Professor Madubuike, said that his passion for quality education particularly in the critical technology sector, was his driving force.
He noted with concern that many youths lack the necessary education and skill that would guarantee their future, while urging them to value education above get-rich-quick syndrome.
