Students with fee arrears to sit for exams, Education CS issues assurance

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba faced tough questions today when he appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Education.

The committee, chaired by Julius Melly, pressed the CS to address mounting concerns surrounding the fate of university students unable to pay their household contributions under the new government funding model.

The inquiry comes in response to complaints from students who claim that several universities plan to block them from sitting their final exams due to non-payment of these contributions.

“As of now, 75,000 (60%) of students have paid their household contribution fees, but we will ensure that those who haven’t paid are allowed to sit their exams,” said CS Ogamba.

Many students, particularly those from low-income households, have expressed fears that their academic progress could be severely jeopardised if these measures are enforced.

At the heart of the issue is the new university funding model introduced earlier this year, which requires households to contribute a portion of tuition fees, depending on their income levels.

This model was designed to make higher education more accessible, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by shifting part of the financial burden from the students to the government and their families.

However, the system has proven controversial, as students from lower-income families argue they are unable to meet even the reduced contribution requirements.

According to their reports, some universities have been firm in their stance that without these payments, students will not be allowed to participate in examinations – a potential violation of their right to education.

During Tuesday’s session, CS Ogamba was grilled on the government’s plans to address the immediate concerns.

Julius Melly, chair of the committee, questioned the equity of the current system, pointing to the potential long-term implications for students who might be forced to defer their studies or drop out entirely due to financial barriers. Melly stated:

“It is unacceptable that we are hearing reports of students being locked out of their exams. What steps is the government taking to ensure that all students, regardless of their ability to pay, are given an equal opportunity to complete their education?”

In response, Ogamba acknowledged the challenges but maintained that the new funding model had been introduced to alleviate financial pressure on students in the long term.

He assured the committee that the ministry was in talks with university administrations to ensure no student would be denied the chance to sit their exams solely due to household contribution issues.

Ogamba highlighted that the government is working on a balance between fiscal sustainability and fairness in funding. He admitted that while the model was still in its early stages, feedback from students and stakeholders would be instrumental in shaping adjustments to the system.

“We are aware of the concerns raised by students and parents alike. Our aim with the funding model was to ease the financial burden, but we are also listening to feedback to make sure no one is left behind,” Ogamba said.

The Education CS also hinted at possible future reforms, including enhanced bursary programmes and more flexible payment options for students struggling to meet the household contribution thresholds.

Despite Ogamba’s assurances, dissatisfaction among students and parents continues to rise. Many feel that the policy’s implementation has been rushed, with inadequate communication on how the household contributions are determined or how exemptions can be applied for.

Student organisations have called for more transparency and have requested that the government provide immediate financial relief to students affected by the policy. Some have even threatened to hold protests if the situation remains unresolved.

As the academic year approaches its end, the pressure on the Ministry of Education to resolve these issues intensifies. The government’s ability to fine-tune the new funding model while ensuring that students’ rights to education are upheld will be closely scrutinised.

In the meantime, many students anxiously await the outcome of these discussions, hoping for a solution that will allow them to complete their exams without further financial strain.