Government to Maintain Teacher Trainee Allowance, Says Education Minister
In a recent announcement that has sparked widespread discussion on social media, the Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has confirmed that the government will maintain the teacher trainee allowance for the time being. This comes amid rumors and speculation circulating online that the allowance was set to be scrapped.
The Minister made this known during a meeting with Principals of Colleges of Education in Accra over the weekend. He emphasized that while the government plans to transition teacher trainees onto an enhanced student loan scheme in the future, such a move would only be implemented after careful consideration and recommendations from an upcoming national education dialogue.
The education conference, scheduled to take place from February 17 to 20, aims to address the pressing challenges facing Ghana’s education sector. Mr. Iddrisu assured stakeholders that the teacher trainee allowance would remain in place until a more sustainable solution is reached.
A Step Toward Autonomy and Self-Sufficiency
Mr. Iddrisu explained that the proposed transition to a student loan scheme is part of a broader strategy to promote autonomy and self-sufficiency among tertiary students. “There is no way you should be feeding a student at the tertiary level offhand. We will work out a transition from the allowance into an enhanced student loan for them to feed themselves, but in the interim, they will still get the allowance,” he stated.
He further highlighted the importance of the allowance in supporting the well-being and future prospects of teacher trainees, noting that its continuation is crucial for their development.
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Addressing Challenges in Colleges of Education
During the meeting, the Minister acknowledged the numerous challenges facing colleges of education, including infrastructure deficits, lack of academic facilities, and delayed payment of allowances. He assured the Principals that the government would allocate sufficient resources to address these issues, though he noted that competing demands across various educational levels might limit the available funds.
“When I say inadequate, it is in the sense that we have to share the bread, and we have to share it from preschool, junior high school, senior high school, to tertiary. But we particularly take note of you,” Mr. Iddrisu said.
Stakeholders Call for Urgent Action
The President of the Principals of Colleges of Education (PRINCOF), Professor Samuel Awinkene Atintono, also addressed the meeting, highlighting several critical issues affecting teacher training institutions. He expressed concern over the delayed payment of allowances, which has caused significant hardship for trainees and disrupted their learning processes.
Prof. Atintono called on the Minister to intervene and ensure that allowances are paid promptly to enable students to focus on their studies effectively. He also drew attention to the dire state of infrastructure in many colleges, citing a lack of basic facilities such as classrooms, libraries, and operational vehicles.
“I would want you to take note and kindly intervene; otherwise, it becomes an issue that impedes the learning process,” he urged.
A Balancing Act for the Government
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from the public. While some have praised the government for maintaining the allowance, others view it as a political move to fulfill campaign promises. Nevertheless, the Minister’s assurance has provided temporary relief to teacher trainees and stakeholders in the education sector.
As the government prepares for the upcoming education dialogue, all eyes will be on the recommendations that emerge and how they will shape the future of teacher training in Ghana. For now, the teacher trainee allowance remains intact, offering a lifeline to thousands of students pursuing careers in education.
What are your thoughts on this development? Do you think the transition to a student loan scheme is the right move, or should the government continue with the allowance system? Share your views in the comments below!
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