Levelling the tuition support field

Our country’s quest to expand equitable access to tertiary education has reached a critical juncture, and the call by the Vice-Chancellor of Valley View University for the extension of government tuition support to include public and private institutions deserves serious and urgent consideration. (See page 13)

At its core, the argument is straightforward: a student’s access to financial support should not be determined by whether they attend a public or private university.

The Daily Graphic notes that in a country where private tertiary institutions absorb a significant share of qualified applicants— often easing the burden on public universities— excluding them from tuition support schemes creates a structural inequity.

It penalises students for circumstances that are often beyond their control, including limited placement opportunities in public universities.

Ghana has made commendable strides with policies such as the “no academic fee” or stress-free fee initiative, which reduces the immediate financial burden on students in public institutions.

The impact is visible through increased enrolment, improved retention, and a psychological easing of the transition into tertiary education.

However, the policy’s limitation to public institutions creates a two-tier system that undermines its broader objective of inclusive access.

Private universities such as Valley View University play a vital complementary role in providing additional spaces, innovative programmes, and often more flexible learning environments.

In many cases, they cater for working students and those pursuing professional or faith-based education. 

Yet, their students— Ghanaians with the same aspirations and potential— are excluded from direct tuition support.

This is neither efficient nor equitable.

The Daily Graphic believes that it is important to distinguish between tuition support and existing financial mechanisms such as the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) scheme, formally the SSNIT Loan.

While the student loan has historically provided relief, it remains a debt instrument.

Students must repay it, often under challenging economic conditions, after graduation.

For many, the fear of indebtedness is itself a barrier to enrolment or persistence. In contrast, direct tuition support— like the current stress-free fee policy— is immediate, non-repayable, and psychologically empowering.

It signals a national commitment to human capital development rather than a transactional approach to education financing.

Global examples reinforce the Vice-Chancellor’s position.

In countries such as the United Kingdom, government-backed student financing systems— through grants and loans— are accessible to students across both public and private institutions, provided those institutions meet regulatory standards.

Similarly, in countries such as the Netherlands and Australia, funding frameworks focus on the student rather than the institution, ensuring that financial support follows the learner. 

This model recognises that education is a public good, regardless of where it is delivered.

Extending tuition support to accredited private institutions in Ghana would yield multiple benefits.

First, it would expand access.

Thousands of students who are currently constrained by cost would have viable pathways to tertiary education.

Second, it would promote healthy competition among institutions, driving quality improvements across the board.

Third, it would optimise national capacity by fully utilising existing infrastructure in private universities, reducing pressure on overcrowded public campuses.
The socio-economic dividends are equally compelling.

A more educated workforce translates into higher productivity, innovation and economic resilience.

It enhances employability and reduces inequality, particularly when students from modest backgrounds are given fair opportunities.

In the long term, the returns on such an investment— in the form of increased tax revenues, reduced social welfare burdens, and stronger institutions— far outweigh the initial fiscal outlay.

Of course, extending tuition support must be accompanied by robust accountability measures. 

Only accredited institutions that meet clearly defined quality standards should be eligible.

Transparent disbursement mechanisms and periodic audits would be essential to ensure value for money and maintain public trust.

Ultimately, the question is one of principle and vision.

If we, as a country, are committed to building a knowledge-driven economy and a gross tertiary enrolment ratio, then access to tertiary education must be broadened, not restricted.

The Vice-Chancellor’s call is both timely and justified. 

It challenges policymakers to move beyond institutional boundaries and focus on the student— the central figure in the education ecosystem.