The Ministry of Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced the formation of two committees to deliberate on the new funding model for higher education.
The funding model, which was launched in May 2023, is described as student-centered and ensures equity. However, its implementation has faced some hurdles, including resistance from some quarters.
To address some of the concerns raised, the ministry held a number of open forums with students and other stakeholders, based on which several improvements have been made to the model.
During the forums, the students demanded their involvement more in the decision-making process and subsequently announced a demonstration against the model on September 9, if the demand was not met.
Consequently, to achieve meaningful student participation and involvement, the Ogamba constituted the two time-bound working committees that will draw membership from the student leadership, in addition to experts and other relevant stakeholders.
The primary task of the working committees will be to review the status of the implementation of the new funding model and make recommendations for improvement.
The specific terms of reference for the working committees, which will be published within this week after due input from the student leadership, will cover the following broad areas:
1. Appraisal of the implementation of the New Funding Model for Higher Education;
2. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the means testing instrument in ensuring that the categorization of students captures their socio-economic realities.
3. Assessment of the efficacy of the appeals mechanism in achieving correct student categorization for funding.
4. Analysis of the cost of programmes in the universities.
5. Review of the structure of student loans, the attendant interest rates and the period of payment.
Following the move, the university students have since canceled their demonstrations to give room for the committees to execute their mandate.