By Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA—FORMER Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, has called on thec Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, convert the Federal Polytechnic,  Oko, Anambra State, to a University of Technology.

Addressing newsmen during a one-day seminar organized in the institution by  proponents of enhancement of the speaking of Igbo language, Ekwueme said the call had became necessary in view of the high standard of facilities available in the Polytechnic.

According to him, the over 30 years old institution merit being converted to University of Technology, especially as government has placed great emphasis on technological development in the country.

He added that the polytechnic had adequate infrastructure, qualified manpower, as well as quality students to operate degree programmes.
“ I urge the government to quickly consider this option and I am sure it will be a worthwhile exercise. The institution has a great future and that was the intention of the founding fathers,’’ he said.

Also speaking on the issue, former Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof, Pita Ejiofor, said the polytechnic had the potentials to produce quality graduates, given the type of courses offered.

According to him, courses offered by the institution are relevant to the country’s technological growth.

He said location of Oko Polytechnic around the industrial town of Nnewi would be an advantage to its growth as a University of Technology, noting that the recent award of various contracts on infrastructural development worth over N500 million in the three campuses of the institution would prepare it for bigger role.
The traditional ruler of Oko community, Prof Laz Ekwueme, also said Oko community had been looking forward to the transformation he considered long over due.

“A lot has been done to reposition the institution and it has passed through phases of transformation and it is time for it to be crowned.

“So, I appeal to the government to consider the option of turning here to a university, especially now that the country is expanding the education sector,” he said.