‘A tax on learning.”
That is how former Tertiary Education Minister, Fazal Karim, described a decision by the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) to increase student registration fees.
He is now calling on government to cancel this decision, as he believes the registration fee hike will force many students to delay, avoid or drop-out of university.
As reported on Thursday, University chairman, Professor Clement Imbert, confirmed via a Newsday interview that fees have increased from $440 to $1,200 but that UTT would work with the student body on payment plans.
However, in a media release, Mr Karim called the move a “tax on learning” and warned that it would be impossible for students and parents to pay, given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He wants government to rescind the decision and to establish a clear policy for all tertiary education institutions to freeze tuition and non-tuition fees.
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