By In a groundbreaking move to enhance access to higher education, Ghana’s Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, has instructed the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to include students from private universities in the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF).
The announcement, made on April 25, 2025, marks a significant shift in the country’s education policy, aiming to level the playing field for all tertiary students, regardless of whether they attend public or private institutions.
The Student Loan Trust Fund, a government initiative designed to provide timely financial assistance to Ghanaian students, has traditionally supported those enrolled in public tertiary institutions. However, this expansion opens the door for countless students in private universities to benefit from the same financial resources, addressing long-standing concerns about equity in education funding.
With the rising cost of tertiary education, many families have struggled to afford private institutions, which often serve as an alternative for students unable to secure spots in public universities due to limited capacity.
Haruna Iddrisu’s directive aligns with the government’s broader vision of fostering inclusive education across the nation. By ensuring that students in accredited private institutions can access loans, the policy is expected to reduce financial stress for families and encourage more young Ghanaians to pursue higher education. This move also reflects the minister’s longstanding commitment to educational equity, a cause he has championed since his early days as a student leader.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion, with many taking to social media platforms to express their support. On X, users described the decision as a bold and progressive step, with some predicting it could transform the future of education in Ghana. Others, however, have raised questions about the implementation, wondering whether the SLTF has the capacity to accommodate the influx of new applicants without compromising its efficiency.
This policy builds on earlier efforts by the government to support tertiary education. Earlier in 2025, Iddrisu outlined plans to ease financial burdens for first-year students in public institutions, a promise that resonated with many families. Now, by extending support to private university students, the government is taking a further step toward ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic aspirations.
As Ghana continues to invest in its education sector, this development is likely to have far-reaching effects. It not only promotes fairness but also encourages private institutions to maintain high standards, knowing their students can now access the same financial support as their counterparts in public universities. For many young Ghanaians, this could be the key to unlocking opportunities for a brighter future.
The Education Ministry has yet to release detailed guidelines on the implementation process, but stakeholders are optimistic that this policy will pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible higher education system in Ghana.
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