Trainees of Al-Faruq College of Education demonstrate over alleged high fees, poor welfare, and administrative decisions

Information reaching Coleman Publications and videos circulating early morning of 18th August 2025 reveal that trainees of Al-Faruq College of Education have launched a peaceful but determined demonstration on campus.

The demonstration, which began around 9:00 a.m., is in response to a series of unresolved grievances that trainees say have been ignored by the college administration for several semesters.

Al-Faruq College of Education, located in Wenchi in the Bono Region, is Ghana’s first Islamic college of education.

Established in 1991 by the Iqra Foundation Education and Development, the institution was originally a private initiative aimed at providing secular and Islamic education to underserved communities, particularly in Zongo areas.

It became a public college in 2016 and is currently affiliated with the University for Development Studies.

The college offers Bachelor of Education programmes in Early Childhood, Primary, and Arabic Education, and has played a pioneering role in integrating Islamic values with modern teacher training.

Despite its mission to nurture morally upright and transformational educators, trainees say the current conditions on campus fall short of expectations.

Among the key issues raised by the protesting students are:

Unjustified SRC Dues Without Celebration Rights

Trainees allege that they are required to pay substantial SRC dues every second semester, yet are consistently denied the opportunity to celebrate SRC Week.

According to the student leaders, this semester’s celebration was initially approved but was abruptly suspended by the principal last week, prompting today’s protest.

Delayed Release of Academic Results

Many trainees report that their semester results have not been released, causing anxiety and uncertainty about their academic progression.

Neglected Infrastructure and Maintenance

The trainees highlighted the poor condition of electrical sockets in hostels, which were only repaired after repeated complaints.

They argue that such basic maintenance should not require confrontation.

Poor Quality of Food Served on Campus

According to the students, the quality and nutritional value of meals provided to them have been substandard, with many expressing dissatisfactions over what they receive despite paying full fees.

Inconsistent Water Supply

Some claim that water shortages are frequent, leaving them unable to bathe or maintain hygiene during critical periods.

Lack of Transparency in Fee Structure

According to the trainees, a major point of contention is the college’s refusal to provide a detailed breakdown of the semester fees.

The students say they have requested this for years without success. According to them, this semester, they paid GH¢1,130.00—an amount they argue is disproportionately high compared to other colleges of education in Ghana, where some students reportedly paid nothing or significantly less.

Unfair Semester-Based Billing

The trainees insist that teacher trainees are supposed to pay fees annually, not per semester.

They believe the college’s billing system is exploitative and lacks justification.

In a social media comment sighted by Coleman Publications on the matter, one student stated:

“Each semester we pay huge fees. We even asked for a breakdown but they refused. We think it’s time to fight for our rights.”

The students have vowed to continue until their concerns are addressed.

Coleman Publications will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.