A former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Akilagpa Sawyerr has said government has committed a ‘serious error ‘by converting polytechnics into Technical Universities.

“There is a role for polytechnics, they don’t do enough with them and they don’t do what they are supposed to do.“There was always pressure from the [polytechnic] teachers and students to be like the universities. My view is that there are different functions; and if properly done both levels have objectives to achieve,” Professor Sawyerr  told Accra-based Starr FM.

He continued that “quite frankly to convert polytechnics to technical universities what changes? The equipment they have, the supplies they have, the funds they have doesn’t change. So what at all changes?”Some educationists have already rejected the president’s decision to convert some polytechnics into technical universities.

Two polytechnics - Takoradi polytechnic and Sunyani polytechnic - have so far been converted into technical universities.

Four other polytechnics have been selected for conversion across the country.

They include Accra, Kumasi, Koforidua, and Ho polytechnics.