Accra Polytechnic is ready for the takeoff of government’s policy to convert polytechnics into technical universities in September, 2016.

Professor Sylvester Achio, Accra Polytechnic Rector, described the concept as laudable, and that the institution was working around the clock to address avoidable challenges in order to enable it to be the first or among the first to start this concept.

He said laboratories, workshops, classroom spaces and equipment were being addressed through the institution’s funds, and funds from international agencies and the Government through the Council for Technical and Vocational Education Training.

Prof. Achio said this on Saturday in Accra during the polytechnics matriculation ceremony for full-time and part-time High National Diploma (HND) freshmen and women for the 2014/2015 academic year.

The Rector said ultra-modern structures would be put up within the year at the polytechnic’s newly acquired land along the Pokuase road in Accra.

He said lighting systems would be upgraded on the campus through a collaboration with their solar energy partners; MP-Tech from Germany.

Prof. Achio said the water supply system would be improved by drilling a number of wells on campus by their German partners.

He said both academic and administrative staff of the institution had developed themselves with skills for their works and upgraded themselves to enviable levels.

The Rector advised the new students to work diligently towards achieving their dreams.

“I hope through your stay here you will find the education balance between your studies and other activities.

“Develop your ability to imagine, take the time to dream and innovate and pursue your aspirations so that your education is all that it ought to be,” Prof. Achio said.

He said the Accra Polytechnic received a total of 6,672 applications for admission into various HND programmes this year.

Out of the number, 5,209 applicants, representing 88 per cent, qualified; of that number, 3,836 have successfully registered. This comprises 2,804 full-time and 1,032 part-time students.

Prof. Achio explained that, of the 2,804 registered full-time students, 1,699 gained direct admission while 1,105 gained conditional admission.

He said for the part-time registered students, 815 of them gained direct admission while 217 were admitted on condition subject to their passing a special three-month access course programme.

For the overall total registered students, 2,380 are males; and 1,456 are females.

The distributions to the various schools are as follows: Engineering; 784 or 21 per cent, Applied Sciences; 959 or 25 per cent, and Business and Management Studies; 2,093 or 54 per cent.

Mrs Rita Kaine, Registrar of Accra Polytechnic, swore in the matriculants.