Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State says higher institutions without qualified lecturers are mere centres for certificate racketeering.
Soludo made the assertion during an assessment tour of the State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu in Awka North Local Government Area of the state.
He said he had set up evaluative mechanisms to assess the requirements for full accreditation of the state polytechnic.
He said the mechanisms were for ‘quick wins’ capable of facilitating lasting progress that would set the institution on the path of competitiveness.
“We have a collective duty. It is a long way from where we stand, but we must first decide our destination.
“It is not enough to seek accreditation, we must do the right thing because accreditation without qualified lecturers in the institutions is nothing more than turning the place to certificate racketeering centres.
“People come to me to say they want to set up higher institutions, and I ask them, where would you get the lecturers from? Do you have the resources to attract and retain the best?
“It is not just about accreditation but the quality of the output which can only be guaranteed by sound lecturers,” he said.
Soludo said that it was crucial to carve out a unique identity for the institution and build a strong reputation that would distinguish it from others.
“The worth of an institution’s name is as good as the number of adequate quality lecturers and the learning facilities at its disposal, ” he said.
Earlier, Dr Njideka Chiekezie, acting Rector of the Polytechnic, appreciated the Governor for the visit and appealed for acceleration of the accreditation process of the institution. (NAN).
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