Polytechnic and Unam: Why pick a fight?

THE long knives are out again. Our esteemed two institutions of higher learning are at it again. They are all-out competing at the expense of complementing each other.

Universities and Polytechnics of education are distinct in terms of their character and nature. While they may be synonymous, they are certainly not the same.
This is because they are meant to serve the nation in different capacities.
Traditionally, universities are known for their academic aloofness. They administer programmes which are ‘academic and better suited for a rather rigorous pursuit of learning’. Polytechnics, on the other hand, have become popular for their downright basic way of doing things.
A university produces academics. Polytechnics on the other hand are expected to graduate ‘handy men’. While both institutions will at the end award degrees, certificates, diplomas, etc, these credentials are in terms of content and purpose not the same.
Why then pick a fight? What is this war of words all about? The last time I checked there was this campaign that the Polytechnic must be granted university status.
By the way, both the University and Polytechnic in Namibia are creatures of statute. Have the people who want them to be known otherwise taken time to read and understand the intention of the legislature for creating the two institutions? It is worrying to note that the Polytechnic of Namibia for a long time has been calling itself ‘the University of Science and Technology.’ The powers that-be at Polytechnic are hereby reminded that the institution remains ‘The Polytechnic of Namibia’ until such time as when the Act deems it otherwise. Please let us stop misleading children and the public at large.
In its short history, the Polytechnic has done fairly well as a Polytechnic so I’m dismayed by this unnecessary campaign to become a university.
If the Polytechnic of Namibia has identified areas which Unam needs to address, the Polytechnic should share these concerns with Unam so that they are accordingly addressed. This is called smart-partnership.
By the way, Unam and Polytechnic are sister institutions. They are meant to complement each other, not compete. The two institutions are to be contrasted to each other, not necessarily compared. In the meantime, one would urge both Unam and the Polytechnic to begin working together to achieve the goals for which the founding fathers and mothers of the nation established them.
I would end by urging the two institutions not to pick up unnecessary fights. Please, no name change and duplication.
The nation neither has the resources nor the time for such replications.
We look forward to a time when our institutions will learn that there is power in complementing each other. United we stand. Divided we fall.

Concerned Parent
Via e-mail
Note: Name and address provided. By the way, it is not correct to say that a Polytechnic graduates ‘handymen’. The latter would be trained probably at vocational schools. – Ed

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