08/05/2026
PREGNANCY AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS
Back in 2008–2010, while studying at , I had the honour of serving as a student leader after being elected unopposed.
At the time, female student teachers returning from home were subjected to mandatory pregnancy tests. Any student found pregnant — even by just a few weeks — was automatically suspended for an entire year. It did not matter whether she was in her final term or nearing graduation. She simply had to pack and leave. Worse still, the fees already paid for that academic year would go to waste, and upon returning, she would pay the full amount again.
I strongly opposed this rule.
Together with fellow student leaders and supportive colleagues, we challenged the policy until it was changed. From then on, unless the pregnancy had medical complications, expectant student teachers were allowed to continue learning until delivery. Those who were there can bear witness to this change.
Today, seeing some disciplined training institutions sending women home permanently simply because they are pregnant is deeply unfair. Pregnancy is not a crime, especially among adults. If institutions believe discipline is lacking, then it is the responsibility of trainers and instructors to instill discipline — after all, that is why they are called disciplined forces.
If necessary, let such trainees defer for a period and resume later with their opportunities preserved, instead of destroying their dreams altogether.
Education and training should build lives, not end them.
I rest my case.
