#SONA2025: Free tertiary education for PWDs as government scraps admission fees under ‘No-Fee Stress’ policy

President John Dramani Mahama has announced the introduction of the No-Fee Stress policy, which will remove tertiary admission fees for all students, while persons with disabilities (PWDs) will receive full tuition-free education throughout their studies.

Delivering his first State of the Nation Address (#SONA2025) before Parliament on Thursday, February 27 2025, he described the financial burden that prevents many qualified students from accessing tertiary education as unacceptable.

“To address this, the government is introducing the No-Fee Stress policy to remove tertiary admission fees, which currently serve as a barrier to higher education for many students,” he said.

The initiative, he added, would be supported by a revised student loan scheme, Student Loan Plus, aimed at easing financial difficulties for students.

PWDs to enjoy fully free tertiary education

In a major policy shift, Mr Mahama announced that persons with disabilities would not be required to pay any fees throughout their tertiary education.

“For clarity, persons with disabilities will not pay fees for tertiary education at any stage of their studies. Any PWD who gains admission to a tertiary institution will not be charged fees,” he stressed.

The decision is expected to bring relief to thousands of students with disabilities who often struggle financially.

Additionally, the government plans to increase Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) enrolment from 11% to 20% to equip more young people with employable skills.

Mr Mahama also acknowledged the infrastructure challenges facing public universities due to increasing enrolment and promised an expansion programme, including feasibility studies for new universities in the six newly created regions.

With over 460,000 students completing secondary school each year but only 161,000 securing tertiary admission, the president said it is committed to bridging the gap and making higher education more accessible.