By: Deborah Amewoyi
President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that his administration will introduce a “no fee stress” policy to students in the tertiary education.
During his first State Of the Nations Address (SONA) on the floor of parliament earlier today, the president indicated that the policy will scrap tertiary admissions fees which poses a barrier to most Senior High School graduates in Ghana today.
Statistically the president indicated that out of 460,000 students who graduate from the second cycle education every year, only thirty five percent of number enroll into the tertiary education resulting in a consistent drop in Ghana’s Gross Tertiary enrollment target. “Ghana has consistently missed its Gross Tertiary Enrolment targets, with the rate below 22%—far from the 40% goal by 2030. Despite over 460,000 secondary graduates annually, 55% qualify for tertiary education, and only 35% (161,000) enroll, leaving over 300,000 without access.” he analyzed.
For the sake of equity through out every sector of the Ghanaian Tertiary Educational System, the president announced that the policy will be extended to Persons with Disability (PwD) in the various tertiary institutions.
Significantly, The president added that access to the free tertiary tuition will be provided through an enhanced student’s loan scheme. “This will be supported by an enhanced Student Loan Scheme (Student Loan Plus).” he stated.
He further touched on the accommodation issues plaguing students of the various tertiary institutions. He elaborated that the “Government will engage with the existing public universities to identify suitable sites on their acquired lands for the implementation of the private sector participation in the provision of hostels.”
This move is to help accommodate more students in order to allow academic freedom and to promote a better learning environment.
