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Government to Transition Teacher Trainee Allowances into Enhanced Student Loan Scheme
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to gradually phase out teacher trainee allowances in favour of an enhanced student loan scheme.
The initiative aims to enable students to cater for their own feeding and personal expenses, aligning with broader tertiary education policies.
Speaking at a meeting with the leadership of the Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, Ghana (PRINCOF), in Accra last Thursday, Mr. Iddrisu explained that while the allowances would remain in the interim, the government intends to transition fully to a student loan system.
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“There is no way you should be feeding a student at the tertiary level. We can narrow feeding to basic and free senior high schools, but at the tertiary level, students should be able to take care of themselves,” he stated.
He added that the student loan scheme would initially run parallel to the allowances, allowing students to choose between the two before a complete transition.
During the meeting, which was led by PRINCOF President Professor Samuel Awinkene Atintono, the principals highlighted key challenges affecting colleges of education. The discussions focused on strategies to improve learning outcomes, enhance education quality, and address the welfare of students and staff.
Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged the infrastructural and logistical challenges facing colleges of education, emphasising the government’s commitment to resource allocation despite budgetary constraints.
“We have to share resources across all levels of education, from preschool to tertiary. But we recognise that colleges of education are still in their nascent stages and require more support,” he said.
Prof. Atintono raised concerns about stalled infrastructure projects, noting that many Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) projects, some initiated over a decade ago, remain incomplete. He stressed the urgent need for additional hostel facilities, science and ICT laboratories, and classroom improvements to accommodate the increasing student population.
He further called on the government to conduct an infrastructure audit and prioritise the completion of abandoned projects before starting new ones.
Additionally, Mr. Iddrisu assured the principals of the ministry’s commitment to addressing outstanding concerns related to the migration of teaching staff and salary parity with analogous institutions. He commended the principals for maintaining industrial peace despite these ongoing challenges.
The transition from teacher trainee allowances to a loan-based support system marks a significant shift in education financing. While concerns persist over its potential impact, the government maintains that the move aligns with international best practices and will ensure a sustainable model for supporting teacher trainees in Ghana.
The Ministry of Education is expected to outline further details on the transition plan in the coming months.
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