From Austine Tule , Makurdi
The Benue State Executive Council has approved the conversion of Akawe Torkula College of Advanced and Professional Studies, (ATCAPS), Makurdi to Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, (ATP), Makurdi.
The Council equally approved the conversion of Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, (AOCAY), to Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, Yandev, (AOPY), Yandev.
The Executive Council meeting which was presided over by Governor Samuel Ortom, gave the two approvals Monday, 20th January 2020 at the Benue People’s House, Makurdi.
A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Information and Orientation, James Agbo said the decision of Council to convert the two institutions to polytechnics was to enable them meet accreditation requirements set by National Board for Technical Education, NBTE.
It added that it was the considered decision of Council that while 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.
The approval of the State Executive Council he informed further would be sent to the State House of Assembly for amendment of the laws establishing the institutions.
The statement added that the Council also today approved the termination of contract for the extension of electricity from Gbajimba to Tse-Akaahena in Guma local government area.
According to the statement, Council equally approved the ermination 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.
It informed that 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.
The statement informed further that Council also commenced deliberations on the proposed Benue State Geographical Information Services for land administration in the state.
