Miscellaneous Student Grievances
July 1, 2026
Transcript
1971
In a broad sheet which was widely distributed at the Congregation on Sat., 13th March 1971, the students have listed a list of grievance which are set out below, with comments where necessary:
- PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY INTO THE FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY:
Comments:
At its meeting on Thursday, 11th March, 1971 the University Council decided to publish the report, and this decision was publicly announced by the Vice-Chancellor in his Congregation address.
- EXAMINATION FEES
The students claim that charges raised by Legon are “too exorbitant”.
Comments:
As a matter of fact examination fees have remained unchanged since the University’s inception, as would be seen from the following figures: When the University was in special relation with London University the following were the examination fees charged
Part I Science £8
Part II £12
B.A. General £18
B.A. Honours £20
- b) In 1971, i.e. ten years after the University became autonomous the following are the fees charged:
F.U.E.. Science N₵4.00
S.U.E. N₵18.00
Final N₵18.00000
N₵40.00
F.U.E. Arts N₵4.00
Final N₵36.00
N₵40.00
It is also pertinent to remark that at a meeting of the Committee of Heads of University institutions held on Tuesday, 9th February 1971 to consider inter alia the operation of the new loans scheme it was agreed to adopt a uniform new rate of fee and thus reduce tho subsidy which students in the other University institutions particularly Kumasi, were enjoying.
- BOOKSHOP PRICES:
The students claim that prices in this University are “too dear, though the University makes enormous profits on book sales and demand a reduction in prices.
Comments:
These grievances may well be linked with a publication in the student newspaper, “The Echo”-from which it was clear that various allegations not backed by facts, were circulating. For instance it was claimed that a Law book selling at N5.00 in Kumasi costs 15.00 at Legon. The facts are that the cost of the paper-back edition of the book had been confused with that of the cloth edition. Again it was claimed that ball pens are sold at 12np. at the University Bookshop but only 10np. at the University Post Office. Investigations have revealed that the manufacturers of the ball pens have traced to Legon part of large quantities of their stolen stocks. Presumably the cheaper pens being sold at, the, Legon Post Office belonged to this stock
It may be pointed out that it is the confirmed policy of the University not to mark-up prices of box books recommended for student use, which means that apart from the devaluation, students buy books at the published prices i.e. the price at which they are sold in the countries of origin. The 10 per cent surcharge now imposed on books, which is not being transferred to the student, means that the University is heavily subsidising student text books.
- CAMPUS SECURITY SYSTEM:
The system is described as appalling. Grievances here presumably relate to the introduction of a check system on taxis. Explanations that the measure is designed to protect life and property on the campus have not been understood by the students.
- TRANSPORT SYSTEM
The students require the system to be reorganised “to benefit the students”. They would require as many as 5 buses “to be identified for students’ use.” Comment is hardly necessary on this “grievance”.
- MISCELLANEOUS:
Student demands for the removal from office of the Executive Engineer and the Vice-Chancellor, and for representation on the Academic Board and the University Council appear to make it clear that the issue of vacation residence is being used as a general rallying point only.
