As Chancellor College and The Polytechnic are set for opening this month, the council of the University of Malawi (Unima) has directed that students returning to the colleges should sign consent forms to indicate their willingness to go back to class.
In a statement sourced by The Nation, council has warned the students who will bar their colleagues from attending classes that they will face disciplinary action.
The statement reads: “The council has advised colleges to write students individually, so that out of their wish, they indicate that they are willing to go back to class.
“Council further wishes to advise students from the two colleges that the conditions and terms under which they were admitted earlier have not changed. Only those that will register after paying their tuition fees will be allowed to proceed with their studies as was the case before the colleges closed.”
Unima assistant registrar (communications) Akuzike Maliwichi would not be drawn to comment on the outstanding issues of students’ accommodation and meal allowances, and the reduction of tuition fees.
But she confirmed of a statement the council had issued, advising respective colleges to write students individually so that out of their volition, they should indicate their commitment.
Last month, students from Chancellor College and The Polytechnic took to the streets to present a petition to Malawi President Joyce Banda, the Chancellor of the University of Malawi after hitting a deadlock in negotiations with college authorities.
In the petition, the students called on the President to reverse a decision by the university to increase tuition fees.
Today, students’ representatives are set to meet the Parliamentary Committee on Education to impress upon the committee on the outstanding grievances.
Reacting to the council’s communication Polytechnic Students Union president Wakisa Simukonda said it is a pity that the council has set to impose unfair conditions that will further impinge on students’ welfare.
