By: Ama Gyamfuah
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged a no fee stress policy for first year tertiary students if elected in December 2024.
This initiative they say is part of the party’s plan to ease the financial burden on parents supporting their children’s education at the tertiary level.
In an interview on Happy FM’s Morning Show with Kwadwo Safah-Danquah on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, educationist Prof. Ibrahim Gunu praised the initiative as commendable but expressed concern about its implementation.
He highlighted ongoing issues where senior high school heads have raised serious concerns about delays in the release of funds.
He emphasized that timely release of funds will be crucial for universities to support first-year students.
Prof. Gunu pointed out that there are numerous expenses that first-year students must cover, including essential items like ID cards, which are critical for student identification. He warned that if funds are not released promptly, it could negatively impact student registration, as well as the overall delivery of teaching and learning.
He stressed the importance of the first year in a student’s university journey and noted that while the promise, if effectively implemented, would be highly beneficial, his concerns are rooted in past experiences.
Additionally, Prof. Gunu welcomed the establishment of a research fund, stating that it could significantly enhance universities’ ability to conduct innovative research that contributes to national development.
However, he emphasized that the focus should not just be on policy or promises but on ensuring that the necessary funds are available to support research efforts.