Parents of students at the Malawi Polytechnic, a constituent college of University of Malawi (Unima), have demanded for an immediate opening of the college.
According to the parents, the closure of the university signifies violation of the students’ right to education.
Speaking in Lilongwe, representative for the parents Mabvuto Katete said they want the college opened arguing that it has taken too long.
“We want our children to go to school even if they can say tomorrow we will be happy, we don’t want our children to grow old before graduating,” said Katete.
The Polytechnic was expected to open for a new academic year in October but the Unima council deferred the opening date after students obtained an injunction stopping the college from implementing a fees hike in the academic year.
The students argued that the college should effect the hike in the next academic year which was scheduled to begin in 2017.
The issue is currently in court but the college is yet to be opened as university management are waiting for the conclusion of the case.
36 thoughts on “Polytechnic closure: parents demand reopening of the institution”
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ngati dziko la pansi likutha kuthako ndye kwayambira ku malawi kunotu
Mmasewela ana a pa poly… Mukhaula munthu wake sipitala.. Pay fees or stay at home basi
Ife ndi akumudzi pepani???why was Polly closed???
The fees was raised from 55,000 and others 275,000 to 400,0000 and later reduced to 350,000 after negotiations. it is stated that the fees is effective from 2016-2017 academic year. However, due to closures, Poly is in 2015-2016 academic year hence supposed to pay the old fees which other colleges paid in 2015-2016 academic year. However, unima council still insist that they shall pay the new fees besides being down by one academic year. Court gave a judgement that poly should pay the old fees, however, council says it will not open as it does not have money to cover the 2billion deficit as its budget was based on the new fees. Thats the reason student are at home since July. Understand???