AMMAN — All Jordanian universities must allow deferred
payment of tuition fees for the summer semester of the academic year 2020–2021
until the beginning of the add/drop and withdrawal period, a decree issued on
Tuesday by
Minister of Higher Education Mohamed Abo Qaddis said.
اضافة اعلان
Abo Qaddis directed the decree to all the heads of Jordanian
universities, both public and private. He further stressed that the fees for
services from which students would not benefit — due to the cessation of in-person
learning — are to be cancelled, such as bus fees and graduation fees, among
others.
A student who preferred anonymity commented on the decision
saying that “This is a good step. It doesn’t really help though. If the
ministry cancelled tuition fees it would’ve been more helpful. We’re not even
going to college,” she said.
“This decision only gave us a couple of weeks. ... I had
really hoped the ministry would do something more helpful,” she added.
The ministry stated that this decision comes as a result of
the extraordinary circumstances caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic. In order to
overcome the crisis, the ministry said, people must work together and remain
dedicated to national duty. The ministry further stressed the need for all
sectors, including universities, to work together and minimize the financial
burden on citizens, and to take all necessary measures they find suitable to
make Jordanians’ lives easier.
“This is a positive gesture and a great step, however, this
decision may not binding for universities because we know that universities are
looking for financial and administrative independence,” said Bilal Al-Momani,
head of Education Committee at the Lower House.
“I second the decision. Many students contacted us
complaining about difficult financial situations and heavy burdens caused by
the pandemic. I call upon all universities to adhere and commit to this
decision,” the lawmaker said.
According to Thabahtoona, eight out of nine official
universities require their students to pay their fees before registration.
Thabahtoona is a students’ rights group that demanded that the ministry
intervene on behalf of students.
“This decision came as a response of the constant demand of
our campaign. It has been four semesters of distance learning and the ministry
has not taken any decisions that actually support students,” said Fakher Daas,
Thabahtoona’s campaign coordinator.
“Universities have to commit to this decision. This decision
is as important as a defense order. We thank the ministry for its cooperation,”
he said, adding, “This decision will increase universities’ income as it gives
students and their parents more time to save up for the semester,” which will
raise the number of registered students.
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