Former Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Tertiary, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has described as “harsh and inconsiderate” Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Management’s decision to defer some students over debt.
Over 6,000 students representing about 8% of the total 85,256 students have been deferred for non-payment of school fees.
The University Relations Officer, Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, has however observed that some students use their fees to engage in gambling while others also invested same in businesses.
Commenting on the development, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the decision by the management was harsh considering the economic challenges in the country.
“The decision by KNUST authorities to defer the courses of some 6,000 students for non-payment of fees is most harsh and inconsiderate considering the current economic crisis”
“I appeal to the Ministry of Education to urgently intervene and save the future of these students…. Let us stand in solidarity with these students and help them all of them remain in schools to achieve their dreams” he said in a tweet.
The North Tongu MP used the medium to call on all students in his electoral area who have not benefited from his modest personal contributions to get in touch for assistance to support their academic activities.
“Any North Tongu constituents who wasn’t on my support programme and is affected should promptly contact the North Tongu MP’s office for assistance” he said.
He continued that “perhaps it is time for Parliament to revisit our earlier motion calling for a special subsidy on fees, particularly for the needy tertiary students”.
