The Minister-designate of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that approximately GH₵345 million will be required to fully implement the government’s proposed free tuition policy for first year university students in the country.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 20, 2025, he stated that the policy is intended to make tertiary education more accessible to students across the country.
The Member of Parliament of Tamale South stated that the allocated funds would include tuition fees for freshers.
Haruna Iddrisu further explained that the government plans to channel the required funds directly to the affected universities and it would also include
reimbursing students who have already paid their tuition fees.
“The country will require about GH₵₵345 million of the population of students who enter tertiary institutions, that is what the state will be required to do. We intend to provide that money to the affected universities, at least, to make refunds to those who have already paid fees,” he stated.
Haruna Iddrisu also pointed out that the new policy will give some flexibility to parents and guardians.
“The beauty of this is that parents who are willing to pay can do so under this policy that has been introduced by the NDC,” he stated.
During the 2024 Election, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) promised to implement the free tertiary tuition policy as part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on students and their families.
JKB/AE
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