Govt rebuffs Mzuni, Poly students
The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has refused to grant the Polytechnic Students Union (PSU) and Mzuzu University Students Representative Council (Musrec) an audience with Minister of Education, Science and Technology Emmanuel Fabiano over the closure of the Polytechnic and Mzuzu University (Mzuni).
The refusal has angered the students, who have since accused government of abdicating its responsibility, further confirming their November 30 2016 protests to express their concerns.
The students last week requested an audience with Fabiano, but in a response dated November 22, signed by principal secretary, Charles Msosa, the ministry has told the students to engage their respective councils on the matter.
Reads the letter in part: “Reference is made to your letter of November 21 2016 requesting that the Polytechnic Students Union and Mzuzu University Students Representative Council should meet with the Minister of Education, Science and Technology to discuss with him the opening of The Polytechnic and Mzuzu University, respectively.
“Please be advised that the University of Malawi Act and Mzuzu University Act provide for students representatives on the councils where students engage with University authorities on a variety of issues including the one which is subject of your request for the opportunity with the minister,” he said.
Reacting to the development, Musrec president Wazamazama Katatu said it is unfortunate that government has given a blind eye to the problem.
“We requested for dialogue in good faith, and no one refuses dialogue. The refusal is clear testimony that we have a leadership that does not care about our problems, maybe because their children are not in these institutions of higher learning.
“It is up to the citizenry to judge whether we have a leadership that we can trust or not because to us, this is a clear indication of an irresponsible government. We will, therefore, continue with our planned march on November 30, to express our concerns,” said Katatu.
PSU president Frank Mchupuka said on Thursday the councils have failed to solve the impasse, and it is ironic that Capital Hill believes they will now find a formula to resolve the problem. n
