By Bridget Paul
January 21, 2020
Ortom increases number of polytechnics,terminates contracts
The Benue State Executive Council has approved the conversion of a professional studies centre and a college of Agriculture to polytechnics.
Mr James Agbo,the permanent secretary, Ministry of Information ,Tourism and culture made the announcement in a press briefing after the state exco meeting in Makurdi.
The two polytechnics in Makurdi and Gboko adds to the initial one in Ugbokolo making them Three in Benue state.
According to him the Akawe Torkula College of Advanced and Professional Studies, (ATCAPS) Makurdi to Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, ATP, Makurdi.
He said the Council has also approved the conversion of Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, AOCAY, to Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev, AOPY, Yandev.
Agbo added that the Executive Council meeting which was presided over by Governor Samuel Ortom, gave the two approvals.
“The decision of Council to convert the two institutions to polytechnics is to enable them meet accreditation requirements set by National Board for Technical Education, NBTE.
“It was the considered decision of Council that Akperan Orshi Polytechnic and Akawe Torkula Polytechnic will begin to offer fully accredited diploma courses in various disciplines with graduates of the two institutions also participating in National Youth Service Corps,”he said.
He notee that the approval of the State Executive Council is to be sent to the State House of Assembly for amendment of the laws establishing the institutions.
Also today, the Benue State Executive Council approved the termination of contract for the extension of electricity from Gbajimba to Tse-Akaahena in Guma local government area.
Council also approved the
termination of contract for the construction of the feeder road which covers Tse-Ortom-Tse-Upev-Tse-Akaahena-Nasarawa border in Guma local government area of the state.
The decision of Council to terminate the two contracts was based on the fact that the contractor Dan-Ella Global Business Services Limited had abandoned the projects, contrary to terms of the agreement it signed with Benue State Government three years ago.
The company is expected to refund the sum of N54.3 million on the abandoned road project and N26.5 million on the abandoned electricity project.
Council further directed the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives to award the affected contracts to a qualified and competent company.
Council also today, commenced deliberations on the proposed Benue State Geographical Information Services for land administration in the state.