SDD-UBIDS Congregation: ‘No Fee Stress’ policy easing Level 100 admissions – Dr Apaak

The government’s ‘No Fee Stress’ policy has eased the financial burden on newly admitted Level 100 students, Dr. Clement Apaak said Saturday.

Speaking at the 4th Congregation of the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS) in Bamahu-Wa, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Deputy Minister for Education said the intervention has become one of the most widely welcomed supports for first-year students.

“Government is mindful of the difficulties most students go through in obtaining money to enroll in universities when they are admitted,” he said, emphasising that the initiative reflects a deliberate effort to widen access to tertiary education.

He added that the policy extends to persons with disabilities who gain admission to any public tertiary institution.

“The policy’s coverage for persons with disabilities is essential for ensuring that inclusivity remains at the heart of our tertiary system,” Dr. Apaak stated.

Dr. Apaak commended SDD-UBIDS for its growth, highlighting the university’s expanding student population, academic diversity, and research output. He said the institution was steadily fulfilling the vision behind its establishment.

“The university has grown in student population, academic diversity, and research impact,” he noted.

Congratulating the graduating class, he encouraged them to apply their training beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“The graduates this university is churning out are not only employable but are capable of creating employment for others,” he said, urging them to translate their knowledge into practical solutions wherever they find themselves.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening research across universities. He referenced the National Research Fund, created in 2015 and backed by legislation in 2017, which he said remains central to enhancing evidence-based policymaking.

“Government has committed itself to creating a sustained resource base to support research in our universities,” he explained, pointing to the GH¢50 million seed capital allocated to operationalise the fund.

According to him, these combined interventions, reduced financial barriers, stronger research support, and inclusive funding, demonstrate the government’s continued attention to improving university education and building a more robust national workforce.