The Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) has approved the disbursement of loans to 9,433 students across 62 public and private tertiary institutions in Ghana. This marks one of the first major actions taken by Dr. Saajida Shiraz, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of SLTF, since assuming office. The decision is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to thousands of students who have been eagerly waiting for support to continue their education.
Dr. Shiraz acknowledged the delay in disbursements and extended an apology to affected students, assuring them that under her leadership, the SLTF will prioritize efficiency and timely financial support. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring that eligible Ghanaian tertiary students receive the assistance they need without unnecessary delays. She stressed that every student who qualifies for a loan must have confidence in the system and know that they will receive the necessary financial assistance when they need it the most.
Reiterating her dedication to President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for an improved tertiary education financing system, Dr. Shiraz stated that she has already begun processes to facilitate the smooth implementation of the SLTF Plus policy. This initiative is expected to enhance financial support for students and improve the overall effectiveness of the fund. According to her, the new policy will make education financing more accessible and responsive to students’ needs, ensuring that no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints.
Reflecting on her first days in office, Dr. Shiraz described the past week as productive, filled with meaningful engagements and strategic discussions. She participated in conversations with student leaders at the National Education Forum on education financing, where she listened to their concerns and shared her plans to address challenges within the loan scheme. She also familiarized herself with the SLTF staff, discussing strategies to reposition the fund for greater impact.
Her engagements also included discussions with the newly appointed Deputy CEO, Kojo Danquah, as well as visits to two zonal offices and the SLTF regional office in Accra. These visits allowed her to assess the operational challenges on the ground and explore ways to improve service delivery to students. She noted that understanding the realities faced by students and staff firsthand will be instrumental in making informed policy decisions that enhance the fund’s overall efficiency.
Additionally, Dr. Shiraz revealed that the past week involved making some necessary interventions in the public interest to ensure the fund operates in a way that best serves students. She emphasized that her leadership will be characterized by transparency, accountability, and responsiveness, all aimed at making the SLTF more effective in fulfilling its mandate. She assured students that they can expect significant improvements in access to funds and service delivery in the months ahead.
The disbursement of loans to 9,433 students signals a new direction under Dr. Shiraz’s leadership. It reflects her immediate commitment to addressing challenges and restoring confidence in the loan scheme. She acknowledged that financial constraints remain one of the biggest barriers to higher education for many Ghanaian students, and as such, ensuring the smooth operation of the SLTF is a responsibility she takes seriously.
Dr. Shiraz assured students that the SLTF will continue working towards a seamless and efficient loan disbursement system. She reiterated that efforts are being made to eliminate bottlenecks that cause delays in processing loans. The ultimate goal, she said, is to create a system where students receive their funds in a timely manner, allowing them to focus on their academic pursuits without the added stress of financial uncertainty.
Beyond disbursement, she also emphasized the need for proper loan recovery mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of the fund. She stated that while the SLTF’s primary objective is to support students, it is equally important for beneficiaries to repay their loans after completion of their studies to enable future generations to benefit from the fund. She called on past beneficiaries to honor their repayment obligations to help maintain the fund’s long-term viability.
Dr. Shiraz also outlined plans to introduce digital innovations to streamline the loan application and disbursement process. She indicated that leveraging technology will help reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve communication between the SLTF and students. She added that her administration will work on enhancing student awareness campaigns to ensure that more students understand the application process, repayment terms, and other critical aspects of the loan scheme.
She further emphasized her commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that students from all backgrounds, particularly those from underprivileged communities, have access to financial support. She mentioned that her leadership will explore ways to extend financial aid to more students, particularly those in specialized and technical fields that require significant funding.
Dr. Shiraz also expressed gratitude to President Mahama for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the SLTF and pledged to uphold the highest standards of leadership. She reaffirmed that she is fully committed to making a positive impact and ensuring that the SLTF remains a reliable institution for students seeking financial assistance.
The announcement of the loan disbursement has been welcomed by students and educational stakeholders, many of whom had raised concerns over delays in recent months. The move is seen as a step in the right direction and an indication that the new leadership is keen on making tangible improvements to the student loan scheme.
With these early efforts, Dr. Saajida Shiraz has set the tone for a more efficient and responsive SLTF. The timely disbursement of loans, her engagements with stakeholders, and her commitment to reforms all point to a future where students can expect a smoother and more supportive financing system. Her leadership is expected to bring lasting improvements that will benefit generations of Ghanaian students, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of their academic and professional aspirations.
