Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has urged eligible students to seize the opportunity to register for the government’s ‘No Fees Stress’ policy before the July 31, 2025, deadline.
He emphasised its potential to transform tertiary education in Ghana by alleviating financial burdens.
Speaking at the 17th Congregation of Ola College of Education in Cape Coast, Dr Apaak highlighted the policy’s progress, including the disbursement of funds to first-year students in public universities and colleges registered with the Student Loan Trust Fund.
With the deadline extension in place, Dr Apaak encouraged potential beneficiaries to take advantage of this empowering opportunity.
“This policy aims to remove financial barriers that prevent qualified students from enrolling in public universities, technical universities, nursing training colleges, and colleges of education. Refunds have commenced, and validation is ongoing for remaining students. I urge those who have not yet applied to do so,” the deputy minister said.
The government’s direct payment of academic fees to first-year students in public universities and colleges is in fulfillment of a campaign pledge during the 2024 general election campaign.
While nearly all first-year students had paid their fees before the policy was launched earlier this year, the government’s refund is intended to defray the costs of the initial payments.
Dr Apaak also urged graduates to never underestimate the impact of one’s work, and to “be ethical, innovative, and compassionate”.
He emphasised that teachers play a critical role in shaping Ghana’s future and encouraged them to carry the legacy of knowledge and service with pride and humility.
The Deputy Minister commended the leadership of OLA College of Education, particularly the Principal, Dr Mrs Regina Okyere-Dankwah, for their tireless efforts in positioning the college as a centre of excellence for female teacher education.
On a related issue of financial intervention by the Mahama administration, Dr Apaak noted that the government had appropriated a lump sum of GH¢203m for the payment of teacher trainees’ allowances.
He said it was an indication of the government’s commitment to supporting teacher trainees in the country.
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