The leadership of the National Union of Ghanaian Students (NUGS) has paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Education, Honorable Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and called requested him to help address critical issues impacting students nationwide.
The meeting centered on key matters, including the deferred strike by the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), unauthorized fee adjustments by certain universities, ongoing strikes by senior staff and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU).
Other issues discussed in the meeting included the autonomy of Colleges of Education as Independent Universities, excessive fee structures associated with academic-related activities, and the prolonged delay in examination result releases among some tertiary institutions in the country.
The meeting which was conducted in a very cordial setting, epitomized the mutual dedication of the National Union of Ghanaian Students and the Ministry of Education to address the issues confronting Ghanaian students.
The President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students, Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel, who led the delegation to meet the Minister of Education in his remarks underscored the need for the Ministry of Education and its partners to undertake pragmatic measures to address the persistent challenges within the Ghanaian education sector.
Mr Kyeremeh Oppong on behalf of the leadership of the National Union of Ghanaian Students reaffirmed the union unwavering commitment to championing the welfare and rights of students, emphasizing the crucial need for collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders to devise enduring solutions.
“The union remains resolute in its advocacy endeavours and eagerly anticipates productive partnerships to yield concrete outcomes benefitting students nationwide”
Daneil Kyeremeh Oppong
Commenting on the ongoing industrial strike actions by senior staff and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), and the University Teachers Association of Ghana’s deferred strike action, the President of the National Union of Ghanaians Students, Mr Daniel Kyeremeh Oppong indicated that the situation has triggered significant apprehension among students, posing a threat to the academic calendar and exacerbating existing challenges in the education sector.
Mr Kyeremeh Oppong particularly expressed solidarity with the ongoing strikes by the senior staff and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) members and acknowledged the legitimate concerns regarding their working conditions and compensation.
He underscored the necessity for government, particularly the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, to engage in constructive dialogue with the University Teachers Association of Ghana, senior staff and the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), to amicably resolve every underlying issues regarding their condition of service and avert disruptions in the education system.
Alleged Unauthorized And Unapproved Fees Increment
Furthermore, the National Union of Ghanaian Students expressed its deep concerns over unauthorized and unapproved fees increment which has been imposed on students and their families by certain educational institutions across the country.
The President of the Union, Mr Kyeremeh Oppong further urged the Ministry of Education to investigate the alleged fees adjustments imposed by certain educational institutions in the country to ensure fairness and transparency, especially considering the financial constraints faced by students nationwide.
The President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students also emphasized the pertinent issue of delayed examination results in certain colleges of Education due to affiliations with universities, and strongly advocated for the autonomy of these colleges to operate independently as tertiary institutions.
This move according to the President of the National Union of Ghanaian Student aims to alleviate challenges arising from affiliations that impede students’ academic progress and future opportunities.
In closing, the President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students, Kyermeh Oppong Daniel reaffirmed the union’s unwavering commitment to collaborating closely with the Ministry of Education, governmental entities, and relevant stakeholders to tackle the obstacles facing Ghanaian students and secure equitable access to quality education for all.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum responding to the claims of some educational institutions charging unapproved and unauthorized fees urged the union to submit the fees and other substantiated proofs of member institutions through the various Students Representative Council’s for investigations and subsequent action.
READ ALSO; GTEC Applauds PAC for Prompting Reforms in Tertiary Education Accreditation Process
