<<Print>>

President John Dramani Mahama has announced the release of 37 million Ghana Cedis as payment for book and research allowance.

The president made the announcement at the 50th congregation of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Graduate School. 

According to the president, the amount has been released to the Controller and Accountant Department for onward payment to appropriate beneficiaries in both the universities and polytechnics for the 2016/2017 academic year.

The lecturers have in recent times embarked on industrial actions due to unpaid arrears in book and research allowances.

It is not clear yet exactly when the monies will hit the accounts of the lecturers.

President Mahama in his speech also explained that plans are far advanced to establishing the national research fund.

“It is my hope that it will enhance productive research in a short term while we continue to work to establish a mutually acceptable and beneficial national research fund to spare innovation”.

Meanwhile, the private sector is being advised to partner educational institutions to expand appropriate recruitments.

“Let me assure that government will continue to provide incentives to the private sector to expand recruitment of our graduates from the tertiary institutions.”

 “This to open up their work places for vacation employment through attachments and internships and practical training for students," he said.

He is positive this has a huge potential to provide access to private capital, promoting exchange of expertise in the sector, bring about innovation through improved technology, facilitate increasing access to education at all levels and enhance efforts to tackle challenges related to the education sector.

A total of 8,081 students graduated from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology including 51 for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Chancellor of the school, was present at the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, the Otumfuo advised that the era of post-graduate guaranteed employment was long gone and called for creativity, innovation and can do spirit which he says are essential ingredients for success.