Students to blame for recent 'no fees- no exams' impasse in some universities - Prof Yankah

Minister of state in-charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah has stated that the recent uproar by some students in the tertiary institutions over ‘no fees-no exams’ could have been avoided if students had subscribed to the Student Loan Trust Fund after enrollment to the tertiary institution.

According to him, students should be blamed for failing to pay their fees on time since critically needy students could have applied for loans from the Student Trust Fund earlier to ensure funds were speedily disbursed to allow them write their exams.

On December 2, 2018 some students at the Ghana Institute of Journalism were barred from writing end of semester exams due to nonpayment of fees, this decision by the school authorities sparked a demonstration on the school’s premises.

In response to this, the Minster of state for tertiary education has said that the protests could have easily been avoided if students had applied for these loans just about the period they were enrolling in the tertiary institution.

“The recent uproar about fee payment in some tertiary institutions which led to threat of eviction from exams room could have been avoided if students with critical need had planned ahead and subscribed to the loan scheme on enrollment. I am aware that the student loan trust fund has enhanced its publicity in the past 2 years across public and private institutions and students needn’t risk missing exams and jeopardizing their future only because they owe some GHC500 or so which would have been speedily disbursed by the Loan Trust on prior subscription.” He said

Meanwhile some students of the Ghana Institute of journalism have indicated that one major reason that accounted for delay in payment of their fees was dragging processes by the Student Loan Trust Funds which for them, is something they cannot be blamed for.

Academic titles may soon lose value in Ghana

On his part, Executive Director for National Accreditation Board (NAB) Dr. Kingsley Nyarko who was present at the event hinted that his outfit will soon go after institutions which award fake doctorates to individuals in the country.

According to him, the recent use of the doctor title especially from unaccredited institutions will reduce the relevance of the title.

He added that it is dishonest to use a doctorate title when it’s from an unaccredited institution or an honorary one for that matter.

He called on other stakeholders to join the fight against the use of fake titles to ensure that it does not lose it value.

“NAB’s awareness creation about unaccredited institutions and conferment of fake honorary degrees especially honorary doctoral ones has awakened consciousness of employers, parents and students and the board receives requests inquiring about the accreditation status of institutions before they make any move be it for employment or further studies”

“It is dishonest to use that title when you know you are not supposed to use that tittle” He added.