Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Olufemi Abikoye, has enjoined tertiary institutions in Ghana to consider downward review of tuition fees paid by international students particularly Nigerians who are many in that country.
He made the passionate appeal during the continuation of his tour of tertiary institutions in Ghana. Accompanied by Minister III, First Secretary (Political), First Secretary/Head of Chancery and the Social Secretary; the High Commissioner was received at WEBSTER by Mrs Christa E. Sanders, the Campus Director and other officials from the School. At WISCONSIN by the Vice Chancellor, Mr. Nicholas S. K. Appiah; and by the Vice Chancellor of Central University, Prof. Bill Buenar Puplampu.
The High Commissioner informed the management of the three institutions that Nigeria has about 170 institutions, out of which 79 are privately owned.
According to him, due to the large population, these Universities are not able to accommodate the teeming youths seeking admission every year, hence the resolve to study outside the shores of Nigeria.
He therefore, urged the Management of these institutions to do more as to secure larger percentage of the youth seeking admission. He also assured Management of Webster University, that he was working closely with the Ministry of Education in Nigeria in getting the issue of their accreditation resolved and will keep them posted.
Also, he sought the welfare of the students in terms of accommodation, transportation to school and clamoured for arrangement between the school and some airlines for probable rebate tickets for Nigerian students between Nigeria and Ghana.
In their response, the Campus Director of Webster University, the Vice Chancellor of Wisconsin University College as well as Central University appreciated the High Commissioner for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit their institutions and informed that the Nigerian students in the institutions have been well behaved and adapted to the system very well.
The Management of Wisconsin informed that there were some concerns initially, as some were found involved in cultism and other unspeakable acts, but with time, they have been able to curb such discrepant activities.
However, on the issue of reduction of fees, they informed that they were aware of the prevailing economic situation in the country and promised the High Commissioner that they will take it up with Management with the hope that the tuition fee will be reduced again.
In all the institutions visited, the High Commissioner advised Nigerian students to remember the children of whom they are, the need to constantly behave themselves and portray themselves as good Ambassadors of Nigeria and avoid action that would tarnish Nigeria’s image in Ghana.
He reminded them on the need to take advantage of both the University environment and Ghana as a whole for appropriate skill and knowledge acquisition that would make them better adults tomorrow.
He then assured of the open-door policy of the High Commission that they are welcomed to discuss their challenges with the High Commission for appropriate intervention. In response to his admonition, the excited students expressed their appreciation and hope for such engagement from time to time.
Since assumption of duty in 2017, Ambasaador Abikoye has visited nine out of the 10 regions in Ghana. Some of the tertiary institutions he has visited include: the Catholic University College, Sunyani in Brong Ahafo Region, University of Development Studies in Tamale, Northern Region, Kwame Nkrumah University, Cape Coast University, All Nations University among others.