Gov’t Reviewing Feeding Allowances for Teacher Trainees – Haruna Iddrisu - Onlinetimesgh

Gov’t Reviewing Feeding Allowances for Teacher Trainees – Haruna Iddrisu

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has indicated that the government is reconsidering the continuation of feeding allowances for teacher trainees in colleges of education across Ghana. He noted that while the allowances remain in place for now, there is a need to transition to a more sustainable model.

Speaking at a meeting with principals of various colleges of education in Accra, the Minister questioned the long-term feasibility of the policy, stating that it does not align with global best practices in higher education funding.

“There is no way you should be feeding a student at the tertiary level. We have to work out a transition from the allowance into an enhanced student loan scheme that will allow them to feed themselves,” he said.

Possible Transition to a Student Loan Scheme

Haruna Iddrisu clarified that while the feeding allowances are still being paid, discussions are ongoing regarding a possible shift to an enhanced student loan scheme. This scheme, he suggested, would provide financial support to trainees while allowing them to take responsibility for their own living expenses, including meals.

“But in the interim, they will still get the allowances,” he assured. “I cannot conceive of a student in a higher education institution being fed. We must look at a transition to a system that supports students without creating undue financial pressure on the government.”

Reactions and Implications

The Minister’s remarks have sparked discussions among stakeholders, including teacher trainees, college administrators, and student unions. While the government has not categorically stated that feeding allowances will be scrapped, concerns have been raised about how a potential transition to a loan scheme would impact students’ welfare and the affordability of teacher training education.

As the government explores its options, education policymakers and stakeholders will closely monitor the discussions to understand the future of feeding allowances in Ghana’s colleges of education.

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