Umsu demands gradual tuition fees hike

University of Malawi Students Union (Umsu) has asked for a gradual increment of tuition fees and not the University of Malawi’s (Unima) proposed 400 percent hike.

The proposed increment pushes the current tuition fees for government-sponsored students from the current K55 000 to K275 000 per year and from K250 000 to K275 000 for generic self-sponsored students.

But speaking in an interview last week, Umsu president Ronald Mhango said they have had meetings with students and they disagree with the proposal, suggesting it should be implemented in phases.

“The proposed tuition fee hike is not only inconsiderate but also prohibitive to a poor scholar. We are of the view that the hike should be implemented gradually.

“Furthermore, the proposal could be justifiable only if there was a 400 percent hike in civil servants salaries and students allowance,” said Mhango.

He said they have agreed to press the council to effect a gradual tuition fee increment from 2015/16 academic year and should start with 40 or 50 percent increment for government-sponsored and mature students and K 275 000 for generic self-sponsored students.

“Umsu feels that the period between now and the start of the 2015/16 academic year should serve as a notice for guardians and parents to get prepared for the new fees structure,” said Mhango.

He said they already submitted their proposal to government recently and they expect that continued discussion on the issue will resolve their concerns. n