The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has emphasized the need for student leaders to actively engage in governance and policy discussions, particularly on issues such as free education and assessment benchmarks.
He made these remarks at a meeting between the National Education Forum Committee (NEFC) and the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) at the AH Hotel and Conference Center. The forum brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Education, the University Students Association of Ghana (USAG), various second-cycle regional SRCs, and other student unions, to deliberate on pressing issues within the education sector.
He has described student unions as vital training grounds for future leaders, urging student leaders to uphold discipline and integrity as they prepare to take on national responsibilities.
“I have always conceived the student union as an incubator of socialization. This is where the nation’s leadership eventually should emanate and will emanate from, depending upon how you conduct yourself. If you lead with discipline and with integrity, tomorrow is yours in terms of your individual personal aspirations and national aspirations.”
Also, Hon. Iddrisu has questioned the rationale behind promoting failing students in Ghana’s education system, stating that it undermines assessment standards and the nation’s human capital development.
“Why must every student pass, even when they have failed? Where does that happen in the world? Exams exist to assess performance, yet in Ghana, the system moves everyone forward regardless of their results. Is this the kind of human capital we want to develop for our future?”
The Chairman of the National Education Forum Committee also underscored the importance of student participation in shaping education policies.
“Student involvement in national discussions is critical. We cannot engage in any meaningful stakeholder dialogue on education without including students. When we met in Ho, the NUGS president stressed the need for targeted engagement with students, and we fully endorsed it. The Minister of Education, himself a former NUGS president, also supported this initiative,” he stated.
During the forum, students shared their perspectives on the Free Senior High School policy and proposed solutions to existing challenges. Breakout sessions facilitated discussions on key topics such as infrastructure, financing, student loans, technology, and research.
The meeting concluded with a resolution to establish a joint committee to explore practical solutions to the issues raised. The committee is expected to present its findings and recommendations in the coming weeks. With stakeholders committed to improving Ghana’s education system, the future looks promising with collaborative efforts toward excellence.
–
Story by: Gideon Xorvi Senator | univers.ug.edu.gh
