As Chancellor, I have also directed that all State universities look at ways of making the financial burden of securing higher education bearable. There are many avenues and mechanisms which can be invoked and pursued to ensure gifted students from poor backgrounds are assisted and not disadvantaged. It is my wish as Chancellor and as the President of the country to ensure we leave no student behind.
I, however, remain concerned that the loan facility which Government guarantees, and which Government administers through banks, is not being taken full advantage of by our students. Only about 10 000 students have benefited so far, a remarkably small number in relation to our student population.
We set up that facility for students to take full advantage of. I am also told that universities do accommodate flexible payment plans to allow families to spread the financial burden of procuring university education.
Additionally, I call upon our captains of industry and commerce to adopt and sponsor as many students as they can accommodate. This should be more appealing now that our Education 5.0 is closely aligned to the requirements of places of real employment. Of course, such support by the private sector may mean bonding terms for beneficiaries, so sponsoring institutions benefit from their investments in human capital.
My Government believes in our students. What I have seen during my tour of innovation hubs we have created at various universities fortifies this belief and faith in the inventive capacities of our students. It also vindicates our decision to move towards specialised institutions in which science and technology take centre stage.
I would not want to see this new and innovative thrust getting jeopardised.
The current consultations between university authorities and representatives of our students must continue, all in the spirit of amity and genuine desire to find solutions that are workable for both those institutions and benefiting students.
On its part, Government will also look at ways of lightening the burden of tertiary education, especially as the economy consolidates and continues on a positive trajectory.
What would be reprehensible is for some politically minded elements within the student community to use this needful fees review to disrupt studies and the smooth running of these key institutions. It is in everyone’s interest to ensure studies continue without undue interference and disruptions. That should be everyone’s goal. I look forward to capping more graduands this year, marking yet another successful academic year and the beginning of numerous careers for the development of our country.
Lastly, last week was my birthday. I turned 80. I was inundated with many messages of love and affection.
I felt snowed under by these felicitations, each of which I personally read, and which I would have loved to respond to personally. Regrettably, time does not allow.
Thank you all who sent me those very warm messages, and still many others who joined me in spirit as I marked and celebrated my birthday.
In great love, we move forward together!
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