The Ministry of Education has announced a significant directive ensuring that all students who qualified for university admission are guaranteed entry, regardless of their ability to pay household contributions upfront.

In a press release dated August 21, 2024, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, emphasised that no student should be turned away from their chosen institution due to financial constraints.

"The Ministry of Education wishes to inform all students who have qualified for university admission that they are guaranteed a place in their chosen institutions, irrespective of their ability to immediately pay the household contribution," said Mr Ogamba.

This announcement comes in response to the growing concerns among students and parents about the financial burden imposed by the new university funding model. 

The government's decision reflects its commitment to making higher education accessible to all deserving students, particularly those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

"We remain steadfast in our mission to provide quality education for all and will continue to work towards creating an inclusive, accessible, and equitable education system for every student in the country," he said.

To facilitate this, Vice-Chancellors of public universities have been directed to admit all qualified students and to make suitable accommodation arrangements for first-year students.

The Ministry is collaborating with the National Treasury to ensure the timely disbursement of the requisite funds, guaranteeing that students' upkeep fees will be covered.

This initiative follows extensive consultations with stakeholders, including Parliament, which led to an extension of the application deadline for financial aid to December 31, 2024. 

The Ministry also plans to consolidate various bursary and scholarship schemes under a cohesive legal and policy framework to enhance equity and affordability in education.

As the government works to refine the New Funding Model, it remains open to recommendations aimed at strengthening the system.

This move is a significant step towards alleviating the financial pressures on students and ensuring that education remains a right rather than a privilege.