Education Minister-designate, Haruna Iddrisu, has confirmed that first-year public university students will have their admission fees refunded.

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He explained that this initiative is part of President John Mahama’s effort to make higher education more affordable.

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During his vetting with Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, the Tamale South MP shared that the government plans to allocate GH¢345 million to cover the admission costs for students in general academic programs at public universities, excluding professional courses such as medicine.

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“On the authority of President Mahama, and with the approval of the Minister of Finance-designate, Hon. Ato Forson, this provision will be included in the government’s Reset Budget.

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The funds will ensure that students undertaking courses in the general subject areas have their admission fees refunded,” Haruna Iddrisu said.

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The Minister-designate assured that students who have already paid their admission fees will not be left out.

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He added, “And for President Mahama, this is a model to experiment. We will look at it. How do we fare as a country? If it's possible for expansion, then he will expand it. And he's not asked that if you are able, you should not."

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The policy is a fulfillment of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto promise during the 2024 election campaign.

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It is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at making tertiary education more accessible, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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