The National Teaching Council (NTC) recently made a controversial decision that has deeply affected the hopes and dreams of fresh Diploma in Education graduates across Ghana.
This decision entails disallowing these graduates from participating in the upcoming 2023 NTC examinations, which serve as a prerequisite for employment in the education sector.
In light of this concerning development, a collective plea has been made by the Coalition of Diploma in Education graduates from various renowned education universities and colleges in Ghana for immediate intervention.
This intervention seeks to persuade the NTC to consider postponing its decision to grant these fresh graduates an opportunity to participate in the examinations.
Background and Other Key Notes By the Aggrived Graduates
The individuals impacted by this decision by NTC represent a diverse range of Diploma in Education courses, including Diploma in Science Education (DSE), Diploma in Mathematics Education (DME), Diploma in Basic Education (DBE), Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE), and Diploma in Psychological Foundations of Education (DFP).
They were admitted into prestigious education universities and colleges of education across the nation in 2019 and 2020 with the expectation of completing their respective three-year and two-year Diploma in Education programs, preparing them for a promising career in teaching.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances such as the global COVID-19 pandemic and UTAG strikes, their graduation dates had to be postponed to the year 2023. As a result, these fresh graduates have never had the opportunity to write any of the NTC’s examinations.
Additionally, financial constraints and various other personal reasons prevented some of the affected graduates from participating in the 2022 examinations. Consequently, their chances of writing any of the NTC’s examinations were nullified as well.
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Other stated reasons and grievances by the Coalition of Diploma In Education holders were;
Efforts to Facilitate Smooth Transition:
To mitigate the challenges faced by colleges of education during their transition to degree programs, the University of Cape Coast organized special IC and resit papers for affected students in April 2022.
The results of these examinations were communicated to the concerned students in December 2022. However, despite these efforts, the affected graduates in this category, who have now completed their education, have not been allowed to write any of the NTC’s 2023 examinations.
Discrimination Against Fresh Graduates:
The NTC’s current decision only permits resitters, excluding the recently graduated diplomates, to write the 2023 examinations.
This approach effectively eliminates the employment opportunities for fresh Diploma in Education graduates, casting them into a state of uncertainty and despair.
NTC’s Letter to Universities:
Further compounding the graduates’ predicament is an alarming letter sent by the NTC to several universities. This directive instructs the universities not to upload the particulars of the diplomates onto the NTC portal, effectively denying them employment opportunities. The letter, dated 15th June 2023, is referenced as NTC/Exams/658/3/250.
A Plea for Urgent Intervention:
In light of this dire situation, the fresh Diploma in Education graduates earnestly implore swift intervention. The plea is for the NTC to reconsider their decision and extend the opportunity for fresh graduates to participate in the 2023 examinations.
By doing so, the NTC would not only provide fair and equal employment opportunities for these deserving graduates but also nurture their desire to contribute to the education sector.