Government Plans to Extend Student Loan Scheme to Private Tertiary Institutions – Education Minister
The government is poised to expand access to the Student Loan Scheme, a move that will bring much-needed financial relief to students enrolled in private tertiary institutions, according to the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu.
This groundbreaking initiative seeks to address the financial hurdles faced by many students pursuing higher education in private institutions, leveling the playing field for academic opportunities nationwide.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constituted Board of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in Accra on April 25, Haruna Iddrisu emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive educational policies.
“Government is actively considering expanding the Student Loan Scheme to cover all deserving students, regardless of whether they attend public or private tertiary institutions,” the Minister stated.
To ensure the feasibility of this initiative, a comprehensive physical assessment is already underway. “This is a loan, not a giveaway. Once we establish the infrastructure to support the expansion, beneficiaries will still be expected to repay the funds as stipulated,” he added.
In addition to the loan scheme expansion, the Minister unveiled plans to introduce a forward-thinking scholarship bill. This new policy will align educational support with Ghana’s long-term development objectives, reflecting the government’s vision to strategically invest in fields critical to national progress.
“In line with the President’s directive, the scholarship framework will prioritize disciplines essential to our future as a nation. During a ministerial meeting, President Goodluck Jonathan emphasized the importance of redirecting scholarships toward areas that align with Ghana’s developmental goals,” the Minister revealed.
The policy will focus heavily on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, fields identified as pivotal to the country’s economic and technological advancement. “We aim to cultivate the best minds in these areas and provide them with comprehensive support, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive academically and professionally,” Haruna Iddrisu noted.
These measures, which represent a cornerstone of the government’s broader educational reform strategy, underscore a commitment to fostering equitable access to higher education and channeling resources into academic disciplines that promise significant national returns.
The proposed initiatives signal a transformative era in Ghana’s education sector, with the potential to redefine opportunities for countless students while reinforcing the country’s path to sustainable development.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
