The Minister of Education, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, has disclosed that GH¢55 million has been provided for in the yet-to-be read 2017 annual budget for payment of Book and Research Allowances to lecturers of government tertiary institutions.
He said, aside the payment of book and research allowances due lecturers in tertiary institutions, government has also resolved to set up a Research Fund to serve as a compliment to boost research in third cycle educational institutions.
He made this known in a speech read on his behalf at the 1st Congregation of the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) in Takoradi on Saturday.
“We will also abolish the payment of utility bills. We will also increase the amount of loans under the Student Loan Scheme and streamline its administration to enhance easy recovery of the loans”, he said.
“Recognizing that the success of every education hinges on the ability to attract and retain the best brains into teaching, the government will signal a sea of change in the mindset of the nation and especially government attitude towards the teaching profession.
“We shall restore to our teachers the honour and respect they once held as the source of enlightenment at all levels of society and ensure that teaching becomes once again, a profession of choice for our ambitious youth”, the statement assured.
The Western Regional Minister, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, also announced his outfit’s decision to collaborate with the University Council to construct two blocks for the Engineering and Applied Science Department which happens to be TTU’s area of specialization.
He said he would also hold dialogue with industry and tertiary institutions in the region so as to link academia to industry to foster accelerated development.
The Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, on his part, reiterated the university’s commitment to continue on the part of excellence to become a world-class university.
For the 2015/2016 academic year, the university turned out 2,940 graduands with certifications including Bachelor of Technology, Higher National Diplomas and Non-tertiary certificates.
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