The Minister-Designate for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has disclosed that students who have already paid tuition fees for their first year in tertiary institutions will be reimbursed under the government’s proposed free tuition policy. 

This initiative is part of the broader agenda to enhance access to higher education, as promised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during their 2024 campaign. 

Ministerial Vetting: First-year students to receive refunds for fees paid under Free Level 100 Policy – Haruna Iddrisu #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/ljmcHLBYdp

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Speaking at his vetting before the Appointments Committee in Parliament on 20 January 2025, the Tamale South MP detailed the funding and implementation plans for the policy. 

“The country will require about ?345 million for the population of students who enter tertiary institutions, that is what the state will be required to do,” he explained.  

The allocated funds will be directed to affected universities to ensure that students who have already settled their fees are not disadvantaged. “We intend to provide that money to the affected universities, at least, to make refunds to those who have already paid fees,” Mr. Iddrisu stated. 

He further highlighted the flexibility of the policy, which allows parents who wish to pay tuition fees to do so. “The beauty of this is that parents who are willing to pay can do so under this policy that has been introduced by the NDC,” he added. 

The free tertiary tuition policy aims to alleviate the financial burden on students and families while promoting equitable access to higher education. 

Mr. Iddrisu reaffirmed his commitment to the policy, pledging to ensure its effective rollout.