A senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Martin Oteng Ababio, has expressed strong reservations about the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy in Ghana, stating that it has worsened challenges within the education sector.
According to Prof. Ababio, while the policy has successfully increased access to education, it has not been accompanied by adequate improvements in tertiary infrastructure, which has placed a strain on the quality of education being offered.
In a media briefing during a campaign outreach by lecturers aimed at raising awareness of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto, Prof. Ababio emphasized the need to review the Free SHS policy. He argued that while the policy had undoubtedly increased enrollment in universities, the government had failed to address the subsequent demand for expanded infrastructure and resources in tertiary institutions.
“The Free SHS has helped,” he acknowledged, “but it has spelt the doom of the whole educational system.” Prof. Ababio pointed out that the number of students entering universities like the University of Ghana has surged since the policy’s implementation, but essential resources such as lecture halls, residential spaces, and teaching staff have not increased proportionately.
He described the resulting strain on educational facilities, highlighting the challenges faced by both students and lecturers. “The number of students getting into the university has increased tremendously. Lectures have not increased. The lecture halls have not increased. The residential halls have not increased,” he noted. This overcrowding has compromised the quality of education, forcing lecturers to deal with larger classes, making it difficult to provide personalized attention to students.
“As a lecturer, we are compromising quality for quantity. If you come to Legon today, you will find 600, 800 students in one lecture hall. That makes it very difficult to reach out to each and every one,” Prof. Ababio explained. The strain on resources also extends to academic assessments, with lecturers struggling to keep up with marking and providing timely feedback. “How many essays can you mark in a day? And how many essays can you give to a student?” he asked, illustrating the overwhelming workload faced by academic staff.
Prof. Ababio’s comments come at a critical time as the country heads toward the 2024 elections. The NDC has pledged to review the Free SHS policy to address its shortcomings, a proposal that has gained support among many stakeholders in the education sector, including Prof. Ababio. He commended the NDC for recognizing the need to reassess the policy and ensure that it delivers on its promise of quality education for all students, rather than just increasing enrollment numbers.
The Free SHS policy, introduced in 2017 by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, aimed to remove financial barriers to secondary education by covering tuition, textbooks, and other related costs for students. While the policy has been praised for its inclusivity, critics like Prof. Ababio argue that it has had unintended consequences, particularly in the tertiary education sector, where universities are struggling to accommodate the influx of students.
Many universities, including the University of Ghana, have reported overcrowding in lecture halls, inadequate residential facilities, and an insufficient number of lecturers to handle the growing student population. The situation has led to concerns that the quality of education is being compromised, with students receiving less individualized attention and academic support.
Prof. Ababio’s remarks highlight the importance of not only expanding access to education but also ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and resources are in place to maintain high educational standards. Without addressing these structural issues, he warned, the country’s higher education system could face long-term challenges that undermine the very goals the Free SHS policy was designed to achieve.
As the debate around the Free SHS policy continues, Prof. Ababio’s insights have added another layer to the discussion, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to education reform.
While the policy has succeeded in making education more accessible to thousands of students across the country, its impact on the quality of tertiary education is a concern that cannot be ignored.
Moving forward, stakeholders in the education sector, including policymakers, universities, and lecturers, will need to collaborate to find solutions that address both access and quality. As Prof. Ababio noted, the future of the country’s education system depends on striking the right balance between the two.
In conclusion, while the Free SHS policy has made significant strides in democratizing access to education, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that the country’s universities are equipped to handle the growing number of students.
The government’s ability to address these challenges will be critical in shaping the future of education in Ghana, ensuring that students not only have access to education but also receive the quality instruction they deserve.
