Takoradi Technical University (TTU)’s National Service Personnel Advised to be guided by Honesty – 2017
Newly engaged National Service personnel of the Takoradi Technical University have been advised to “maintain a doctor-patient relationship” with the students of the university by treating them as clients at whose convenience the university exists. In this direction, they are to respect the students of the university.
The Registrar of the university, Mrs. Oppong Mensah, made this call at an orientation programme organised for TTU’s newly-arrived National Service personnel. Advising them on how to act above reproach, the Registrar stated unequivocally that they should refrain from potential acts of harassment of students and extortion of monies from same for marks, for information or for any other service rendered the students. The Registrar added that it is when they are able to shun such dubious acts that they can have a competitive advantage on the job market.
She further described punctuality as one key aspect of efficiency. Consequently, she advised the service personnel to make it their watchword.
On the need for confidentiality in the discharge of their duties, Mrs. Oppong Mensah charged them to refrain from disclosing confidential information to the public. She added that they could do so only when clearance or authorization has been given by the appropriate authority. She added that service personnel who would contravene this directive may find themselves at the wrong side of the law.
Responding to a question as to whether or not service persons should obey instructions to act outside their prescribed job tasks, the Head of the Human Resource Department, Mr. Paul Krah, cautioned the personnel to request security assurance/clearance from their supervisors whenever ambivalence arises before engaging in any unauthorized duties that had the propensity given them trouble. He also called on them to form an association and elect leaders who would be their mouthpiece and also protect their interests in the course of their stay in the university.
The Deputy Registrar of the Faculty of Engineering, Mr. Kwateng Amaniampong, entreated the service personnel, especially those engaged as Teaching Assistants, not to attempt to usurp the substantive lecturers but to assist them in the discharge of their duties. He added that there had been instances where service personnel have harassed and threatened students with failure whenever those unfortunate students failed to kowtow to the needs of those unscrupulous service personnel.
He encouraged them to report any examination malpractices when tasked to invigilate but not to engage in extortion which would only land them in trouble.
The Deputy Registrar Academic Affairs, Mr. Kenneth Boateng, emphasized that it was not in the power of service personnel to handle or to tamper with any examination materials. He advised them to make every effort to avoid trouble since whatever they do would follow them for the rest of their lives.
On his part, Mr. Eric Boagye Agyapong from the Planning Office also reiterated the need for service personnel to take their service period to look for learning and job opportunities. Mr. Boagye Agyapong cautioned them not to allow themselves to be influenced by friends into doing anything that would dent the hard won reputation of the University.