The dichotomy, with its attendant discrimination, between products of universities and polytechnics in Nigeria came to the fore again as polytechnic lecturers have called for equal treatment between them and their counterparts in the university.
The Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, who joined the conversation, emphasised the need for intellectual equality between university and polytechnic lecturers, advocating for reforms in academic rankings.
Professor Ufuophu-Biri argued that there is really no intellectual capacity difference between university and polytechnic lecturers.
“There is no difference between polytechnic and university lecturers. They were taught by the same lecturers, studied the same curriculum, and obtained similar qualifications,” he stated.
Citing an example, he questioned the perceived superiority of university lecturers. “If two people attend the same university, one is employed at a university, and the other at a polytechnic, does that make the university lecturer superior? The answer is no,” he asserted.
He further advocated for a change in academic titles to reflect the equal intellectual output of polytechnic lecturers.
“At universities, the terminal rank is ‘professor,’ while at polytechnics, it is ‘chief lecturer.’
“That terminal rank should be ‘Associate Professor’ for polytechnics. In terms of intellectual contribution, there is no difference,” he argued.
Professor Ufuophu-Biri joined the conversation at the maiden academic colloquium he birthed to enhance the frontiers of the institution.
The former dean of the Delta State University, Abraka (DELSU) explained the rationale behind the initiative.
“There are three types of wealth in life: wealth of ideas, wealth of courage, and wealth of practicality.
“Success starts with ideas, so we felt we should create a platform where people can discuss, expand on ideas, and reach reasonable conclusions that will move the system forward,” he said.
The first in the series of the Polytechnic’s Colloquium, which was held on Thursday, was with the Theme: “Keeping Our Pride High, Avoiding The Pitfall: Prospective For Our Polytechnic Lecturers,” and was held at the Chief James Onanlefe Ibori Auditorium in the institution.
Describing the event as a great success, he commended the guest lecturer, Dr. Emmanuel Akpovata, Dean School of ICT, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, for an insightful presentation. “The guest lecturer was very good in his delivery—not just in style but in content.
“He addressed issues affecting not just the polytechnic system but also national, moral, and ethical concerns.
“The audience participation was impressive, showing their keen interest in the discussion,” he noted.
Encouraged by the positive response, the rector, who’s an ace broadcaster, announced that the programme would be held twice a year.
“Good things come out of ideas, and that is why people attend summits to discuss. When you gather the best minds, better things emerge,” he added.
Highlighting the institution’s academic strength, he pointed out, “In this polytechnic, we have lecturers with double PhDs. The so-called dichotomy is optional and not functional.
“We can practically bridge the gap by changing the title of ‘Chief Lecturer’ to ‘Associate Professor.’”
On institutional challenges, especially in the area of lecturers’ misdemeanors, Professor Ufuophu-Biri assured that any issues affecting the polytechnic would be addressed.
“We know what is wrong and have measures to deal with it. If any concerns exist, we will investigate, and you will hear from us on how we will handle them,” he concluded.
Dignitaries who all contributed to the conversation included Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education, Prof Nyerovwo Tonukari represented by Dr. Emoefe Okpimah, Chairman, Governing Council, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Hon. Andrew Orugbo, Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, Orefe III represented by Chief Frank Emiko, and Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Conflict Resolutions, Chief Okakuro Ewhere Duncan
