NUGS calls for tertiary institution fee increment suspension

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) following the current financial situation in the country has called on the central government to suspend the increment of public tertiary institution fees for the 2022/2023 academic year.

In a statement shared with AcademicWeek.com, the Students Union said the increasing cost of higher education is crippling the abilities of thousands of Ghanaian students, both at home and abroad, to continue their education.

“Covid-19, the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war, and its ravaging impact have led to a loss of sources of income. Students, the majority of whom are not working, are most likely to bear the consequence of these economic hardships,” it stated.

Citing the release of fees scheduled by some government tertiary institutions in the country, the leadership of the National Students Union said it has observed some public education institutions have increased the fees by 25%.

“Our humble plea is that you step in to cushion the plight of families and students by halting any further increase in Academic User Facility Fees and Accommodation fees for the next academic year,” NUGS has urged Akufo-Addo.

The suspension of the tertiary institutions fees increment the Ghana Union said will go a long way to ensure that the country does not witness a further increase in school dropouts but for all students can access quality higher education.

“The sustainable development of Ghana can only be guaranteed if we have a knowledgeable workforce. We can only ensure this if we make higher education progressively accessible and affordable for all students,” NUGS noted.

As part of an effort, NUGS say its Secretary for Education together with the Tertiary Education Officers will start a media campaign on the issue as it continues to engage more stakeholders and other agencies on the fee increment.

“We are aware that some institutions have started releasing increased fees without going through the Parliamentary approval procedures, kindly give us your support through the Secretary for Education with any such evidence to support our boardroom arguments,” it said.