The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has recently called for an urgent and comprehensive review of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to funding pre-tertiary education across the country.
In a series of far-reaching proposals, the student body not only emphasized the necessity for revisiting the funding model but also stressed the importance of uncapping the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to alleviate the financial constraints currently impacting the expansion of infrastructure in second-cycle schools.
The General Secretary of NUGS, Ismail Tuohesung Issahaque, firmly advocated for the resolution of several critical issues affecting the education sector. These issues included honoring the 18-month arrears of allowances for nursing trainees, addressing the challenges emerging from the Free SHS policy, and ensuring the smooth transition of Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) candidates to the next educational level without undue impediments.
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Free SHS Policy Review
Mr. Issahaque emphasized the imperative need to review the Free SHS policy in light of the diverse challenges that have marred its implementation over the years. While acknowledging the government's positive intent in implementing the Free SHS initiative, NUGS underscored the critical need for addressing the pressing issues facing second-cycle schools to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.
These concerns were not limited to the expansion of infrastructure and facilities but also extended to mitigating student overcrowding and ensuring the regular provision of essential supplies, such as food items, within the school premises. Furthermore, the call for a review encompassed enabling parental contributions to support specific aspects of the policy, particularly catering to feeding and related necessities.
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Unblocking GETFund and Nursing Allowances
NUGS also highlighted the adverse impact of capping the GETFund, the primary financial resource dedicated to sustaining the country's educational system. The call to uncouple the fund aimed to allow it to effectively fulfill its intended purpose of bolstering the education sector. The existing discrepancy, where a significant proportion of GETFund revenue does not directly contribute to educational advancement, was a point of concern that NUGS sought to address urgently.
Additionally, the association's plea to address the 18-month arrears of allowances for nursing trainees underscored the critical role of these stipends in supporting students' daily lives and academic endeavors. Not only does this financial support assist in addressing pressing matters such as school fees, but it also contributes to the overall welfare of nursing trainees across various institutions. Furthermore, NUGS advocated for the establishment of a standardized fee structure for nursing training institutions, highlighting the need for equitable and consistent financial arrangements across these educational entities.
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BECE Results and Transition
Regarding the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) results, NUGS urged the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to ensure that the 22,270 candidates whose 2023 BECE results were withheld are not unfairly penalized. The association stressed the importance of considering alternative measures instead of punitive actions that may impede these students' educational progression. NUGS recommended that any necessary measures or sanctions should be proportionate and not unduly disrupt the educational journey of these students.
In response to these concerns, WAEC confirmed engaging in discussions with the affected BECE candidates, aiming to address the issues surrounding the withheld results. The specific reasons behind the results being withheld were indicated as primarily linked to cases of "collusion."
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