The Auchi Polytechnic, in Edo state is collaborating with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, to commence the awarding of degrees in 11 disciplines.

Rector of the polytechnic, Philipa Idogho, said at the institution’s 21st convocation, that plans for the affiliation, including infrastructure and manpower in the affected disciplines have been completed.

Idogho said the programmes included electrical/electronics, civil engineering, business administration, accounting, building technology, estate management and education/physics, among others.

She said the National Universities Commission, NUC, was expected in the institution later in December to carry out its own assessment of facilities and personnel.

Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole counselled the polytechnic against deviating from its core mandate of providing middle level manpower for the country.

Represented by his chief of staff, Patrick Obahiagbon, the governor said polytechnics had vital role to play in the country’s quest for technological development and advised that polytechnics be carried along in the federal government’s transformation agenda through improved funding and provision of facilities.

He also urged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the institution.

The supervising minister for Education, Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the executive secretary, National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, Mas’udu Kazaure, commended the management of the polytechnic for its level of infrastructural development.

He said the federal government remained committed to the development of technical and vocational education.

About 5, 678 students received National Diploma and Higher National Diploma, while three persons were honoured with the fellowship of the polytechnic.