KOFORIDUA POLY STUDENTS PETITION MANAGEMENT OVER 'MONSTROUS' FEES

A PETITION TO MANAGEMENT OF KOFORIDUA POLYTECHNIC FOR A REDUCTION OF     FEES FOR THE 2016/2017 ACADEMIC YEAR.

 We the students of Koforidua polytechnic are indeed worried about the release of fees scheduled for the 2016/2017 academic year as a result of its increment of more than 70%. This emphasises the belief that tertiary education is becoming an exclusive preserve of the middle class and wealthy. 

We have observed a sharp increment of the tuition fees from Gh¢ 150.00 to Gh¢300.00 and Matriculation fees from Gh¢40.00 to Gh¢92.00 for first year students. There is an introduction of SRC Reprographic fees which student have no idea about. Management must explain to us why final year students are to pay industrial attachment fee. 
Again, most of the items on fees structure are questionable and their relevance are never felt throughout our stay on campus. 

The increment is very outrageous and we plead for a total reduction. This increment will affect some of us who are already struggling financially to focus on our academic work. We should also remember that most students are from low and average income families. Most students have expressed intentions of deffering their courses due to the high rocketing fees they are supposed to pay next academic year. So many aspirations and hopes will be ditched. Most of us are already facing challenges with accommodation and utility bills. Many students will not be able to get past the hurdle of paying the upfront 50% minimum requirement of the grand total fees before registration. This means that financially needy students will not be able to register for next academic year. This will also deny fresh entrants access. 

 I therefore write on behalf of all the concerned students of Koforidua Polytechnic and plead with management to have a critical look at the fees being charged and review it. In spite of the fact that part of the fees are used to fund developmental projects, we believe,the reduction is not an impossiblity. 

 We would also call on the government to perform its obligation to the Polytechnic in order to help management reduce the scheduled fees for next academic year. We again plead with other stakeholders in our educational system to add their voice to the call for fees reduction. 

 In conclusion, education is a right and not a privilege and therefore must be made affordable and accessible to all. We hope our plea will be given due consideration and the increment will be reduced with immediate effect. Thank you!! 

Signed :
 ISAAC APPIANIN (koJo Deholy )
 HND. Environmental Mgt &Tech. 
Koforidua Polytechnic 0555772979, 0277907465

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Concerned Students,Koforidua Polytechnic