Africa Education Watch (EduWatch) has urged former President John Mahama to explain his recent commitment to providing free tertiary education for Level 100 students when he comes into power.
This comes after the former president and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) announced that first-year tertiary students will not pay academic fees as part of a government initiative to reduce parents’ financial burden during the NDC’s manifesto launch.
“We will implement a no-fee stress program to alleviate the financial burden on parents and students in financing tertiary education. We will implement a no academic fees policy at the university for level 100 students,” the former president said.
Senior Programmes Officer at EduWatch, Divine Kpe, noted the potential benefits of such an effort but pressed on the significance of enhancing existing student financial support channels.
“We have been doing quite a lot when it comes to financing at the tertiary education level. Our analysis shows that the current student loan system is not responsive enough to meet the financial needs of students. This has left many students unable to take advantage of opportunities for higher education,” he emphasized.
He also voiced out the importance of taking a comprehensive strategy to enhance financial aid for tertiary students.
“Our recommendation, as outlined in our recent report, is for the government to enhance the effectiveness of the student loan system. This includes increasing the amount disbursed and ensuring timely release of funds to beneficiaries.”
According to Mr. Kpe, the intervention aims to support students entering tertiary education through a free education program, but more details are needed on its implementation.
“If there is going to be an intervention, it is actually the entry point where support is most needed. If this free education program is meant to assist students as they enter tertiary education, it could be a step in the right direction. However, we need more details on how this initiative will be implemented,” Mr Kpe stated.
“We need better and further particulars on how this is going to be rolled out. It’s a promising idea, but the details are crucial”, he added.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mary Asantewaa Buabeng
