Luanar, Mzuni differ with Unima on fees hike

Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) and Mzuzu University (Mzuni) have differed with University of Malawi (Unima) on considering to raise to meet financial gaps in public institutions of higher learning.

The three public universities have government sponsored students whose fees is K55 000 (about $144) per year and University of Malawi (Unima) proposed a 400 percent fees hike to K275 000 (about $723), arguing the current fees is not enough to sustain a student’s education.

The move by Unima has been supported by a number of stakeholders, but has attracted resistance from students.

Luanar spokesperson Bessie Milanzi said any public university shares sentiments that the fees is too low, but the problem lies in balancing the fees hike and access to education by needy students.

She said Luanar observed that some students already cannot afford the current fees which is being depicted as too low and that the university management has not discussed the issue of raising fees.

“From our observation, some students cannot even afford the current fees, let alone an increase of the same,” said Milanzi.

Mzuni vice-chancellor Robert Ridley said he was aware of reports that Unima proposed fees hike, but in the absence of a government directive Mzuni has no plans to do the same.

“However, Mzuni would appreciate if government increased subvention to the university,” he said.

Ministry of Education Science and Technology Principal Secretary MacPhail Magwira said it is too early to state government’s position on the fees hike.