The ongoing discrimination between graduates of universities and polytechnics in Nigeria has resurfaced, as polytechnic lecturers are calling for equal treatment with their university counterparts.
Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, the Rector of Delta State Polytechnic in Otefe-Oghara, emphasized the need for intellectual equality between university and polytechnic lecturers and advocated for reforms in academic rankings.
Professor Ufuophu-Biri argued that there is no significant difference in intellectual capacity between lecturers from both institutions. "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. He questioned the perceived superiority of university lecturers, asserting, "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 further advocated for a change in academic titles to better reflect the equal intellectual contributions of polytechnic lecturers. While the terminal rank at universities is 'professor,' polytechnics use 'chief lecturer.' "That terminal rank should be 'Associate Professor' for polytechnics. In terms of intellectual contribution, there is no difference," he argued.
The first in the series of the Polytechnic’s Colloquium, themed “Keeping Our Pride High, Avoiding The Pitfall: Prospective for Our Polytechnic Lecturers,” was held on Thursday at the Chief James Onanlefe Ibori Auditorium. The event was described as a great success by the rector, who commended the guest lecturer, Dr. Emmanuel Akpovata, Dean of the School of ICT at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku, for his insightful presentation.
The rector noted that Dr. Akpovata effectively addressed issues affecting the polytechnic system, as well as broader national, moral, and ethical concerns. He highlighted the impressive audience participation, which demonstrated a keen interest in the discussion. Encouraged by the positive response, the rector announced that the program would be held twice a year.
Addressing the institution’s academic strength, he mentioned that the polytechnic has lecturers with double PhDs and reiterated the need to bridge the perceived gap between polytechnic and university lecturers by changing the title of ‘Chief Lecturer’ to ‘Associate Professor.’ He also assured that any challenges affecting the institution, particularly regarding lecturers’ conduct, would be addressed.
The rector concluded by assuring attendees that any concerns raised would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be communicated. Dignitaries who participated in the discussion included Prof. Nyerovwo Tonukari, represented by Dr. Emoefe Okpimah from the Ministry of Higher Education; Hon. Andrew Orugbo, Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, represented by Chief Frank Emiko; and Chief Okakuro Ewhere Duncan Oghenochuko, Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Conflict Resolutions.
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