The Assistant Registrar in charge of Student Financial Services at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Mrs. Theodora Oduro, has emphasised that financial aid must go beyond disbursing funds to address the holistic needs of students, challenging traditional perceptions of how aid is administered.
“It’s more than just giving out funds,” she said. “Some students are not doing well simply because they are hungry.”
She explained that at KNUST, financial aid is treated as a ministry—a calling to serve. Her office recognises that students don’t only need money; they often require emotional and psychological support to thrive academically. The aid office, she noted, is a space where students are received with empathy and guided to access the full range of university support services.
“We are interested in the stories behind the applications,” she added.
Mrs. Oduro shared that the team pays close attention to the unique circumstances of each applicant. For example, if a student loses a parent after applying for aid, the team may reassign them to a different scholarship scheme—one that provides additional benefits to meet their new needs. This level of care, she said, reflects the office’s deep commitment to student welfare.
She also highlighted the importance of accountability and follow-up, stating that the team takes time to thoroughly review each application and provide clear feedback to students who return to check on their progress.
Her remarks served as a reminder that financial aid, when administered with compassion and diligence, becomes more than a financial transaction—it becomes a lifeline for students navigating some of life’s most difficult moments.
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Story by Karenhappuch Efua Eyison | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
