Gov’t initiates programme to foster interaction with tertiary schools

In an effort to deepen accountability and foster greater interaction with students in tertiary institutions, Government has initiated a programme known as ‘campus connect’.

Campus connect is an initiative of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with student leaders and management of tertiary schools in the country which will bring government officials such as ministers of state, GetFund officials, officials of the students’ loan trust, National Service Scheme among several others to engage students on various issues of interest.

Below is a press release from the Ministry of Education on what ‘campus connect’ is all about:

Government and Partners outdoor “Campus Connect”

Government after successful consultations has initiated a programme intended to deepen accountability and foster greater interaction with students studying in our Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

The programme known as “Campus Connect” is being organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with student leaders and management of tertiary institutions. Campus Connect is expected to strengthen relations between Government and the Student body.

This initiative is an addition to the now institutionalized annual meeting of student leaders and officials of the Ministry of Education which was launched two years ago. Campus Connect will however aim at direct on-campus interaction with all students.

During the engagements, Government officials including Ministers of State, the GETFund Administrator, Officials of the Student Loan Trust, National Service Scheme, National Accreditation Board, National Council for Tertiary Education, Scholarship Secretariat, National Youth Authority, Youth Employment Agency, Youth Enterprise Support amongst others will interact with students placing emphasis on policies and programmes that directly affect students.

It has also been agreed that priority will be given to questions, concerns and contributions of students.

Prior to the interactive sessions, students may mount exhibitions to showcase their works of interest which may include but not limited to inventions, special talents and projects.

Additionally, it is envisaged that the visiting Government delegation will tour ongoing government projects to acquaint itself with progress of work and any other development management and student leaders may wish to draw Government’s attention to.

The Campus Connect initiative forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to promote accountable and transparent governance. It also seeks to receive feedback from students on the impact of Government policies and programmes whiles stimulating intellectual discussions on governance in our higher institutions of learning.

The first Campus Connect will be held on the 31st of March 2015 at the University for Development Studies, Tamale Campus.

Ahead of our first Campus Connect, students are welcome to share their views, questions and comments at: www.campusconnectgh.org, twitter-@campusconnectgh or #campusconnectgh and facebook- Campus Connect Gh Signed:

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP)

(Deputy Minister of Education, Tertiary)

Prosper Dzitse

(President, National Union of Ghana Students)

Lawrence Sarpong

(President, Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students)

Mohammed Adams Sukparu

(President, Private University Students’ Association of Ghana) Accra- 23rd March, 2015.