Targeted approach needed for NDC’s proposal on ‘no academic fee’ policy – UTAG
Published:
3 months ago
Source:
Channel 1 News
The National President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Professor Mamudu Akudugu, has expressed reservations about the recent promise by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to scrap academic fees for first-year students at public universities if elected in the 2024 general elections. While acknowledging the intent behind the policy, he emphasised the need for careful consideration in its implementation. This initiative according to the NDC, is part of a broader reform strategy designed to enhance accessibility to higher education, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. However, Prof Akudugu in an interview on Accra-based TV3, cautioned against a blanket implementation of the policy. He emphasised the importance of tailoring support to those who are most in need, ensuring that the policy achieves its intended goals without unintended consequence
"So, of course, there are students who genuinely have financial constraints and cannot pay but as to how many of them there are, we can't tell at this time.
"But even if it is just five students, it is worth giving them support.