The Head of the University of Ghana’s Student Financial Aid Office (SFAO), Selina Torrison Saaka, has reaffirmed the office’s commitment to ensuring that no student is denied education because of financial hardship.
Speaking at a Human Library session held Tuesday, July 9, as part of the SFAO’s 20th anniversary celebration, Ms. Saaka shared a story that reflected the heart behind the office’s work.
”There are instances when students come in and don’t meet the eligibility criteria,” she said. “There was one girl who was referred by a friend. After speaking with her, my intuition told me she truly needed help. I made the conviction to assist her at all costs.”
The student’s CGPA was below the 1.5 eligibility threshold, but instead of turning her away, Ms. Saaka referred her to the university’s academic advisor. The advisor confirmed that although her GPA was low, she had shown consistent academic progress.
Encouraged by this, Ms. Saaka reached out to one of the office’s donors, shared the student’s story, and secured funding for her.
Her remarks came in response to a question about the rigidity of SFAO’s eligibility criteria. Ms. Saaka emphasised that while policies guide the office’s work, compassion and context often take precedence.
”This is what we mean when we say no student with a pressing financial need comes to our office and leaves the same,” she said.
With values rooted in equity, inclusion, transparency, and compassion, the SFAO works to ensure that no student is forced to defer or drop out due to financial constraints. In the 2022/2023 academic year alone, the office supported more than 500 students through scholarships, work-study programs, and flexible fee arrangements.
Its support network includes the GETFund, GNPC Foundation, alumni associations, private donors, and corporate partners.
The SFAO marked its 20th anniversary under the theme: “Promoting Equity, Expanding Access, and Enhancing Aid Administration in Tertiary Education.”
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Story by Karenhappuch Efua Eyison|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
