Anita Ogona
The Elechi Amadi Polytechnic formerly Rivers State College of Arts and Science is at the verge of losing accreditation following gradual decay and lack of infrastructure maintenance in the school.
The revelation was made by an official of National Board on Technical Education (NBTE) who hinted to news men that many of the infrastructures and facilities of the institution are decaying and that most of the course programmes do not have adequate facilities.
Investigations reveal that the institution which was upgraded sometime in 2013 to Port Harcourt Polytechnic and later renamed Elechi Amadi Polytechnic by ex governor Nyesom Wike administration is at the verge of losing accreditation of some key courses especially technical ones.
Though some new blocks of classrooms were added courtesy of Tetfund yet the school suffers from lack of offices and facilities for both academic and non academic staff.
During a visit to the school, it was discovered that one of the key departments in the maintenance and sustenance of infrastructure, The Works Department was in decrepit situation.
The Works Department it was learnt was established and recognized by the edict of the polytechnic immediately it was upgraded, but has been neglected over the years.
Investigations so far done indicate that from the past two rectors who headed the polytechnic, attention was not given to the Works Department that houses over 50 staffers.
When pressmen visited some parts of the school, the office of the Works Department was conspicuously abandoned and dilapidated and is flanked by a rotting shift workshop constructed with woods and planks.
Most offices in the Works Department do not have secretarial equipments and furniture for staff to seat and work.
The department boasts of professionals that ranges from engineers, architects and quantity surveyors.
It was gathered that current new Rector of the institution, Dr. Moses Neebee whose appointment was confirmed last year was yet to give attention to the works department, and other units of the polytechnic that needs upgradment.
Further inquiry made by newsmen indicate that the department had been relegated, as Contracts and maintenance was indiscriminately awarded without due process and most times to cronies.
Attempt to interview the director of works proved abortive as he claimed not to have an office to entertain guests and moreso speak to the press as a public servant hence directed them to the rector who could not be reached at the time of this publication.
Other areas of the polytechnic that needs attention include the staff quarters,and internal roads within the school premises.
Investigations also reveal that there was an accreditation recently but the present Rector bluntly refused to involve the dpt.hence the remained decayed and dilapidated, it is there pertinent to call on the attention of sole administrator
An NBTE official said besides lack of adequate facilities, the institution also needs hostels and accommodation, while hinting that school may lose many of its courses in the next accreditation exercise.
