The NUGS stipend Scheme which was launched some few months ago saw the light the day over the past weekend. The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) disbursed stipends to 254 out of over 3,000 applicants of the NUGS Stipends Scheme. This initiative, launched by the 57th NUGS administration, led by Mr. Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh (KOD), aims to provide financial relief to tertiary students facing challenges with their basic needs.The disbursement, which marked a significant milestone, was climaxed at the handing-over ceremony where the Minister for Education – Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum presented packages to some of the beneficiaries on stage. This gesture symbolized the Union’s commitment to supporting students across Ghana, especially those with disabilities.
*A Vision for Inclusive Support*
The NUGS Stipends Scheme, which primarily targets Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in public universities, was designed to address the financial difficulties faced by students struggling to afford food, clothing, books, and other essentials necessary for their academic journey. According to Mr. Kyeremeh, the scheme was introduced after receiving numerous reports from students who visited the NUGS Secretariat expressing concerns about their inability to meet basic needs due to financial constraints.“Many students are unable to maintain a healthy diet, purchase study materials, or attend classes with peace of mind. This initiative seeks to alleviate those challenges and create an environment where students can focus on their studies without financial worries,” Mr. Kyeremeh stated.
*Supporting the Government’s Vision for Quality Education*
Mr. Kyeremeh emphasized that this initiative is in alignment with the government’s commitment to ensuring quality education for all, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4. The SDG aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.“The NUGS Stipends Scheme is one of the many ways we, as a Union, are actively working towards achieving SDG 4 by providing the necessary support for students to thrive academically,” the Scholarship Committee Chair, Mr. Samuel Bortei added.
*Expanding Initiatives for Student Welfare*
In addition to the Stipends Scheme, the 57th NUGS administration has undertaken several projects aimed at improving the lives of students across the country. Among these are the construction of a new Unit Classroom Block in the Oti Region, the NUGS Career and Tertiary Education Fairs, and a series of educational conferences.Mr. Kyeremeh also highlighted the Union’s involvement in large-scale farming as another initiative designed to support students. Currently, NUGS is cultivating cassava, maize, and various vegetables on 10 acres of land, in addition to raising 1,000 pieces of catfish. The goal is to generate income through the sale of produce, which will be reinvested into projects that cater to students’ needs, including the continuation of the Stipends Scheme.“We want to ensure that the Union is self-sustaining while also contributing to the welfare of Ghanaian students. Our farm initiative is just one example of how we are thinking outside the box to solve student challenges,” he said.The NUGS Stipends Scheme is a testament to the 57th NUGS administration’s commitment to making life easier for students in Ghana. By addressing the fundamental needs of students, the Union is not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the achievement of SDG 4. With the continued support of key stakeholders, including the Ministry for Education, NUGS hopes to reach even more students and provide them with the resources they need to succeed academically.As the Union continues to roll out these initiatives, students in Ghana can look forward to a future where their academic potential is no longer hindered by financial struggles.
Written by:John Owusu OpokuNUGS Editor-in-Chief