HELB Opens Appeals Mechanism for Students Dissatisfied With Funding Model After Court Ruling.
Students have until April 4 to submit their feedback on the revised university funding model, as announced by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) in collaboration with the Universities Fund (UF). This follows a Court of Appeal directive allowing the government to proceed with the funding framework.
An official joint statement issued on Tuesday, April 1, indicated that the public participation process was prompted by the Court of Appeal’s stay order regarding the new model. According to the announcement, UF and HELB have invited the public to submit comments and memoranda on the Appeals Mechanism before the set deadline of April 4, 2025, at 5 PM.
On March 25, the Court of Appeal overturned a previous High Court decision that had deemed the government’s university funding model unconstitutional.
This ruling permitted the continuation of the Variable Scholarship Loan Funding Model, which categorizes students into five financial bands based on need. Band one represents the most financially disadvantaged students, while band five includes those with the least financial need.
Following the ruling, HELB and UF have announced a series of nationwide public engagements from April 1 to April 4. Additionally, they have assured students, parents, and stakeholders that a transparent system has been established to facilitate financial aid distribution.
The joint statement emphasized that a Scholarship and Loan Appeals Mechanism has been designed to offer students a fair and accessible process for contesting their scholarship and loan awards.
Methods for Submission and Student Participation
Stakeholders have been encouraged to provide their comments and memoranda via official HELB and UF email addresses, through Huduma Centres, and at designated HELB desks across the country. Furthermore, students have been invited to attend public engagement sessions at selected universities and polytechnics nationwide on April 4.
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Since the introduction of the model, university students nationwide have protested against it, with many deeming it unjust. These demonstrations culminated in formal appeals being lodged against the funding structure. However, despite the opposition, the Court of Appeal has allowed the government to continue its implementation while legal proceedings continue.
In response to concerns raised, the Ministry of Education has committed to revising and aligning the funding model with the regulations set forth by the court.
HELB Opens Appeals Mechanism for Students Dissatisfied With Funding Model After Court Ruling.
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