Governor Samuel Ortom has endorsed the conversion of two colleges in the state to polytechnics.
The governor, who signed the bills for the conversion, said on Wednesday June 17, 2020, that it was part of his commitment to reposition education in the state.
Alfred Akawe Torkula College of Advanced and Professional Studies was converted to Alfred Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi and Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture converted to Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev.
“The two institutions were part of this administration’s deliberate efforts to reposition the education sector to meet 21st century challenges,” governor Ortom said.
He added that the endorsement was only the beginning of the process. He stressed that proactive steps would be taken to secure the necessary regulatory approvals to admit, train and graduate people who would add greater value to the state.
He therefore urged the Benue State Executive Council to speedily approve recommendations contained in the report on the polytechnics and called on host communities to take advantage of opportunities created by siting of the institutions in their areas.
While presenting the bills to the governor for assent, Benue State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Titus Uba, acknowledged the enormous benefits that would be derived from the initiatives and solicited sustained support of the people.
The state’s Education Commissioner, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar, commended Ortom for his determination to lift the standard of education.
He assured that the ministry would hasten the process for accreditation of the institutions.
