Readers’ reactions

Dozens of UWI students scrambling for exam clearance amid financial strain

Why is university education not structured to be affordable for none public goods and services programmes? The programme with less demand should be delivered via open access. Programmes with high demand should be fully funded. – @AndreDun001876

Who is to pay these fees? They had money for carnival costumes. – @browngriselda53

This is insane BTW. – @oyabunnnnnn

Well there was SLB in d first instance. – @1provokedemall

Ntn new, the anxiety of walking into the exam hall to scan your ID to see if you can even sit the exam. Sigh, I could write a book about my university experience. Trials, tribulations, but success ultimately. – @King_Nerona_Mu

If some guardian angels can come forth it would be so good. It’s a good sign when students are in school and want to stay in school. There are some who don’t care about school. – Tenacious Tanesha Wright

UWI should let these students sign a promissory note or payment plan. It is unconscionable for students to put in a full semester work of work and then barred from final exams due to non-payment possibly stemming from unforeseen emergencies, medical issues, or family crisis. – Kareem Nembhard

It’s troubling that students at University of the West Indies have to fight just to sit exams after putting in a full semester of work. Education is supposed to be a pathway out of struggle, not another barrier because of money. When so many students are scrambling for clearance, it shows this isn’t an isolated issue—it’s a systemic problem. There needs to be more flexible payment options, emergency support, or intervention from stakeholders to ensure students aren’t locked out at the final stage. Otherwise, we risk losing talented individuals simply because they couldn’t afford to finish what they started. – Jahein Black

Not being heartless, but still think it is very irresponsible of parents to encourage their children to enroll in courses you know you can’t afford and expect bailout. Life hard for everybody. Is not like one time when people could help. Sometimes you have to swerve. – Sharon Nelson

I remember those days. The anxiety and uncertainty is stifling, but still we hope. Don’t give up guys, better days are ahead. – @tajay.elite

Readers’ reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s X, formerly Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel