The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education has expressed disappointment over the failure of Rectors of federal polytechnics to honour their invitation to discuss matters regarding the future of technical education in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Fuad Kayode Laguda, presented the position at the National Assembly in Abuja during which other members expressed disappointment that less than 30 percent of invited rectors were present, as they accused the leadership of the institutions of treating the legislative arm with disdain, and showing little interest in efforts to reform and strengthen the polytechnic sector.
“We called this meeting to ask if there is something that you are holding grudges against us, or if there is something we are supposed to be doing that we are not doing for you.
“Because if I could remember, it is this same Committee that is pushing for a National Polytechnic Commission. It is this same Committee that moved the motion towards the end of last year, requesting additional funds for the polytechnics without your request, lobbying, or working towards it. It is this same Committee that I am personally working on a Bill for the criminalisation of the dichotomy between HND and BSc. All of these are aimed at strengthening the polytechnics. However, in return, the polytechnics are not taking ownership or even cooperating, for us to do our jobs,” he said, adding that the failure of the majority of rectors to attend the meeting, and the disregard for clear instructions on how the meeting should be attended, spoke volumes about their attitude towards legislative oversight. However, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Daura, Musa Gambo, acknowledged the committee’s concerns and promised that the rectors would do better going forward.
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