SLTF to disburse ‘No Fee Stress’ funds in June

The Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) is set to commence the disbursement of funds to first-year tertiary students under the “No Fee Stress” policy starting in June.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Trust Fund, Dr. Saajida Shiraz, urged first-year students to visit the fund’s official portal to register, and complete the necessary processes for fund disbursement.

Speaking at a sensitisation and registration event held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Thursday May 29, Dr. Shiraz clarified that the “No Fee Stress” initiative, a flagship policy of the NDC government, is not a loan but a financial support system designed to ease the financial burden on students.

She emphasised that, unlike the traditional student loan, the “No Fee Stress” policy does not require repayment.

Her comments were aimed at addressing and debunking public misconceptions suggesting that the initiative functions like a loan.

According to Dr. Shiraz, the KNUST event is part of a broader nationwide engagement campaign. The SLTF team plans to visit various tertiary institutions to educate students, address their concerns, and assist with the registration process to ensure timely access to funds.

She reaffirmed the Trust Fund’s commitment to making education stress-free and accessible for all Ghanaian students.

Also speaking at the event were the Director of Tertiary Education at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Emmanuel Newman, and the Director of Student Affairs at KNUST, Prof. Marian Asantewah Nkansah.

Both officials expressed optimism that the policy will lead to increased enrollment at the tertiary level. They encouraged students to take full advantage of the initiative and to consider applying for student loans after their first year to support the continuation of their education.

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