RIVCAS: ‘Polytechnic Status Won’t Affect Students’

Amidst numerous negative interpretations regarding the implications of upgrading the Rivers State College of Arts and Science (RIVCAS) to a Polytechnic, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Professor Kaniye Ebeku has said most of the fears are unfounded.
According to him, in all wise, the school will remain the same in spite of the change of name.
“The number of students may not increase unnecessarily because it will not be allowed to admit more than 40 that has already been approved per programme”, he said.
Ebeku, who stated this in an exclusive interview shortly after making his presentation in support of the bill to upgrade the institution to a Polytechnic on Monday, threw more light on the essence of the bill.
“Essentially” he said, “contrary to popular belief and comments in the media, the present government is not seeking to establish an entirely new institution, rather, it is only conferring legal recognition to what is already in existence for the past 10 years.
“The law is only seeking to change the name of the institution and effect consequential changes in organisation as demanded by federal educational/regulatory bodies and to enable it gain more recognitions and benefits”, he said.
“While urging that the action of government should rather be seen as a noble one and worthy of commendation, the Commissioner noted that it is not different from developments in developing climes.
“This will not be an isolated development in the world. In the 1960s, the United Kingdom converted its Polytechnics into Universities, and we can see in other parts of the world institutions called Polytechnic University.
Also speaking, the House Committee Chairman on Education of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, gave assurance that having received and heard all contributions to the proposed law; the committee will duly present their recommendations to the House.
“We are retiring to meet as a committee. After everything, we will present our report to the House. We know that Rivers people want the state to move forward, so we will not allow whatever we are doing to be kept dormant. We are working hard to ensure that every bill is given the required attention”, he said.
On his part, the Acting Provost of RIVCAS, Dr. Sam Kalagbor, stated that the upgrade to a Polytechnic will be the highest point of his achievements as head of the school.
“Top on the priority list of my administration is the change of name of the institution to reflect its Polytechnic status.
“So, for me, I think that will stand as the most important achievement for my administration”, he said.

Sogbeba Dokubo