In a bid to transform Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi into a premier institution, the Academic Board of the polytechnic has approved the introduction of short-term certificate courses that will inspire, educate, and empower students with technical and vocational skills that are tailored to current industry needs.
Presiding over the maiden Academic Board Meeting of the institution since the upgrading of its status to a polytechnic by the Benue State government in June, 2020, the newly appointed Rector, Dr. Martins Moses Agena said his vision and goals for the school are crucial to laying a foundation for improvements based on practical realities.
According to the Rector, the institution will henceforth, prioritize academic excellence, innovation, collaboration and partnership targeted at making our teeming youths to be marketable by rendering skills and guiding them on how to get international certification in courses that will make them marketable.
In his words “As we embark on this new chapter, we shall prioritize student-centered learning, school development and research that would address societal needs”.
“We shall be creating new academic and non-academic directorates and units as well as Schools and Departments to accommodate a good number of courses and expand the scope of teaching and learning that is characteristic of a standard Polytechnic”.
“Let me also inform you that plans are on top gear to establish a Consultancy Unit for our institution to serve as oxygen for the survival of the Polytechnic. Already, we have secured the approval of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for the registration of our consultancy services which is Akawe Torkula Polytechnic Consultancy Services Limited”, he said.
Under the consultancy services arrangement, the Polytechnic will offer short-term contemporary certificate courses with specialized skills. These courses include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Coding and Programming; Cyber Security; Data Analysis; Project Management; Business Analysis; Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud); Solar Installation and Management; and Electrical Vehicles & CNG conversion.
Others are Financial Technologies (FinTech)-blockchain technology, payment systems, and financial data analysis; Software and Mobile App development; 3D Printing; Catering; Digital Media; Music; Event Management; Costume & Make-up; and Digital Marketing.
Among the newly approved schools, departments and courses are the School of Engineering and Related Technology; School of Science, Computing and Related Technology; School of Agriculture and Related Technology; School of Arts, Vocation and Technology; School of Administration and Business Management; School of Environmental Design Technology; School of Finance and Related Studies; School of Health and Related Studies; School of Hospitality and Related Technology; School of Communication and Information Technology; and School of General Studies.
The Board also approved the creation of six (6) directorates which include Directorate for Quality Assurance; Directorate for Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme; Directorate for Accreditation; Centre for Entrepreneurship Development; Directorate for Guidance and Counseling and Pre-NDs.
