NDC’s Free Level 100 Policy: The panacea for high cost of tertiary education in Ghana

Tertiary education in Ghana has, over the years, become an essential cornerstone for national development and individual advancement.

Yet, it is becoming ever more inaccessible to many Ghanaians due to the soaring costs associated with university and college tuition. With escalating tuition fees, accommodation costs, and other associated expenses, the dream of attaining higher education has slowly drifted out of reach for a significant proportion of Ghana’s youth.

Against this backdrop, the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s policy proposal to offer free tertiary education for level 100 students stands as a beacon of hope, potentially addressing the financial constraints faced by countless families.

In this piece, I review the significance of this policy in light of the current economic challenges facing students and families and argue that it may indeed serve as a “saviour” for the future of Ghanaian education.

The Average Cost of Tertiary Education in Ghana

The cost of tertiary education in Ghana has seen a sharp rise in recent years. Public universities, which were once regarded as affordable, are now becoming prohibitively expensive for many families.

Tuition fees for undergraduate programmes in some institutions are estimated to be around GHS 4,000 to GHS 10,000 per year. For private universities, the fees are significantly higher, often reaching GHS 8,000 to GHS 15,000 or more annually.

In addition to tuition, students are burdened with accommodation which averagely costs between GHS 3,000 to GHS 5,000, plus textbooks, research materials, transportation, and other essential living expenses.

Therefore, the ordinary Ghanaian needs a minimum average of GHS 7,000 to access tertiary education. This amount brutally cuts off children from low-income homes, making tertiary education gradually becoming the preserve of the rich.

The introduction of some additional fees by universities even further exacerbates the financial strain. For instance, some institutions require students to pay for ICT services, health services, sports, and examination fees as part of their overall bill. These hidden costs cumulatively make tertiary education increasingly inaccessible to students from low-income families, many of whom already struggle to make ends meet.

Furthermore, inflationary pressures have driven up the cost of living, making it more difficult for students to sustain themselves while pursuing higher education. Food prices, internet data for research and utility bills have all gone up, leaving students with little disposable income to manage their academic and personal needs.

Even students who are eligible for GETFUND scholarships and student loans are often either denied or find that these sources of funding are insufficient to cover the entirety of their financial obligations. As a result, many are forced to either delay their studies in search of jobs that can help them cover their educational costs or drop out of school.

The NDC’s Free Level 100 Tertiary Education Policy

John Dramani Mahama’s proposal for free tertiary education for all level 100 students presents a potential solution to the financial challenges faced by many Ghanaians.

Under this policy, the government would cover the cost of tuition for first-year students in all public tertiary institutions, effectively reducing the financial burden on families and giving students the opportunity to access higher education without immediate financial pressure.

The rationale behind targeting level 100 students is strategic. The transition from senior high school to tertiary education is one of the most critical and financially challenging moments for students. Many families find it difficult to raise the lump sum required to cover initial university expenses. By alleviating this burden in the first year, the NDC aims to increase enrolment rates and provide equal opportunities for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

The policy would also have a profound psychological effect on students and their families. The assurance of free tuition for the first year would alleviate stress and anxiety, allowing students to focus on their studies rather than worrying about how they will pay for their education.

For families, especially those in rural and low-income areas, this policy represents a lifeline, offering them a chance to give their children the education they deserve without sinking into debt or sacrificing their basic needs.

What is even more exciting about this policy is that, for students from poor homes who cannot afford to shoulder the continuing fees from levels 200 to 400, they will be rolled onto the Student Loan Trust Fund Plus which will pay their fees till they graduate. So technically, the NDC is introducing a free tertiary education in the country.

A Strategic Investment in Ghana’s Future

Free tertiary education for level 100 students is not just a short-term relief measure; it is a strategic investment in the future of Ghana. By easing the financial burden on first-year students, the NDC aims to create a more inclusive and diverse higher education system.

More students from diverse backgrounds would have the opportunity to pursue higher education, ultimately resulting in a more well-rounded and culturally rich academic environment.

Moreover, the policy could lead to increased enrolment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, which are critical for national development. Historically, students from low-income families are less likely to enroll on STEM programmes due to the high cost of tuition and the longer duration of these courses (like Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry, etc).

By offering free tuition in the first year, the NDC could encourage more students to consider these fields, helping to address the shortage of skilled professionals in critical sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering.

Additionally, a more educated population would lead to greater civic engagement and political awareness. Individuals who have had access to higher education are more likely to participate in democratic processes, hold their leaders accountable, and contribute to the betterment of society. In this sense, the NDC’s free tertiary education policy could help to strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions and promote a more active and informed citizenry.

Addressing Inequality and Enhancing Social Mobility

One of the fundamental promises of education is its ability to promote social mobility. In theory, higher education should provide individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to secure better-paying jobs and improve their socioeconomic standing.

However, in Ghana, the rising cost of tertiary education has created a significant barrier for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, effectively locking them out of opportunities for upward mobility.

The NDC’s free level 100 tertiary education policy is an attempt to level the playing field. By removing the cost barrier in the first year, the policy would give students from less privileged backgrounds a fighting chance to compete with their more affluent peers. It would also contribute to reducing the wealth gap in Ghana by ensuring that higher education is accessible to all, regardless of financial background.

In addition, this policy could have long-term positive effects on the labour market. By increasing the number of graduates from various fields of study, Ghana could benefit from a more educated and skilled workforce.

This, in turn, would improve the country’s overall economic productivity and global competitiveness. The more people who can access higher education, the more likely it is that the country will produce innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the nation’s development.

Challenges and Considerations

While the NDC’s proposal is ambitious and potentially transformative, it is not without challenges. The implementation of free level 100 tertiary education will require significant financial investment from the government.

The policy would necessitate an increase in government spending on education, which may place a strain on the national budget. Ensuring the sustainability of the policy would require careful financial planning and prioritisation of education funding over some other sectors.

There is also the question of quality. As enrolment increases, universities and colleges may face challenges in maintaining high standards of education. Overcrowding, strained infrastructure, and a lack of resources could undermine the quality of education provided to students.

The government would need to ensure that institutions are adequately resourced to handle the influx of students, while also maintaining academic excellence. This is why John Mahama’s proposal of establishing six new universities, and upgrading of some existing institutions to university status, makes a lot of sense.

Conclusion

The NDC’s free level 100 tertiary education policy is a bold and necessary intervention in a time when the cost of tertiary education is becoming increasingly prohibitive.

By offering free admission to first-year students, the policy has the potential to open doors for thousands of young Ghanaians who would otherwise be unable to access higher education. It promises to address inequalities, enhance social mobility, and contribute to the development of a more skilled and educated workforce.

However, for the policy to be truly effective, it must be accompanied by measures to ensure its sustainability and address the broader challenges facing tertiary education in Ghana.

By investing in the future of its youth, the NDC is taking a significant step towards building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Ghana. Therefore, this policy needs a nationwide support.

Thank you for reading today’s episode. Continue to follow the insightful articles I share on this page.

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Writer: Daniel Fenyi

The writer is a licensed counselor, professional writer and conference speaker who guides young people through his writings. You can reach him via email [email protected]

 

 

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