With a myriad of challenges facing the sector, the nomination of Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South Haruna Iddrisu as Education Minister-designate, makes interesting reading.
Huruna Iddrisu will hold the singular honour of leading the education sector’s transformation, based on government’s 30-point policy proposition in the 2024 election manifesto with a focus on the myriad of challenges facing the sector.
Some social commentators believe it’s a strategic appointment to transform the sector considering his experience while others hold contrary views.
Heading into the 2024 elections, discussions surrounding the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy was a major concern. Challenges associated with the policy’s implementation are well-known – especially funding, quality and infrastructure, particularly their impact on secondary education – and recent developments highlight the urgent need for effective management.
Therefore, Mr. Iddrisu faces a daunting task in addressing these challenges coupled with similar basic level issues – such as curriculums without text books, high school drop-out rate, the over 5,000 schools under trees, lack of desks and other infrastructure shortfalls.
However, with the extensive political experience and proven leadership capabilities that the MP has garnered over the years and a reputation for strong advocacy of social equity and economic reform, he is expected to scale the hurdles.
The NDC in its manifesto listed a comprehensive 30-point education policy aimed at transforming the sector, prioritising accessibility, affordability and quality. This stemmed from the popular opinion that the Free SHS policy delivers accessibility but is highly deficient on quality.
Consequently, education sector stakeholders are keenly waiting to see Haruna Iddrisu implement key issues among the 30 policies: such as the ‘Bright Beginnings Initiative’ to revive early childhood education; a review of the Computerised School Selection & Placement System (CSSPS); and implementation of a ‘No-Academic-Fee’ policy for first-year students in all public tertiary institutions.
Without doubt, the Education Minister designate has his work cut out for him – but owing to his proven energy and dedication to duty, it is expected he will inject renewed dynamism into the Free SHS policy and broaden the sector as a whole to play its role in national development.
