Need for more resources for technical and vocational training

Participants at the Wa Polytechnic Annual Research Conference have called for regular re-sourcing of programmes and continuous review of the curricular for a successful technical vocational education and training (TVET) to reflect the changing demands of industry in the country.

In a communiqué issued in Wa and signed by Mr Prince Hasimu Momori, Chairman of the Organising Committee, they also called for the strengthening of partnership between polytechnics and industries to achieve TVET goals.

"The involvement of industry in skill training of students and staff must be consciously and continuously encouraged," the communiqué said.

It said integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into TVET required collaboration between government, TVET institutions and industry as well as curriculum developers which should be pursued vigorously.

The communiqué urged government to extend the competency-based training (CBT) approach in teaching to other programmes in the polytechnics.

It gave the assurance that Wa Polytechnic was prepared to provide alternative and sustainable support to improve on the irrigation and tillage systems as well as drainage and agricultural systems taking into consideration the peculiar climatic conditions of Upper West Region.

Wa Polytechnic would also encourage continuous research into providing alternative building technologies for affordable housing development and wastewater management.