Ghana’s Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to expand the student loan scheme to encompass students enrolled in private tertiary institutions. This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens on students and promote equitable access to higher education across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Board for the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) in Accra on April 25, Minister Iddrisu emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusivity in educational financing. “The government is considering expanding the student loan scheme to all deserving students in the country, whether in public or private institutions,” he stated.
A comprehensive assessment is currently underway to evaluate the feasibility of this expansion, with decisions to be made upon its completion.
In addition to the loan scheme expansion, the Minister announced the forthcoming introduction of the Ghana Scholarship Authority Bill to Parliament. This legislation aims to reform the scholarship allocation process, emphasizing meritocracy and aligning educational support with the nation’s long-term development objectives.
Minister Iddrisu further highlighted the importance of focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, stating, “We want to train our best minds in these areas and provide them with comprehensive support through the new scholarship scheme.”